THE blind Abdallah sought the tent Where, 'mid the eager listening croud, Mohammed gave his wisdom vent, And, entering fast, he cried aloud -- "O Father, full of love and ruth! My soul and body both are blind; Pour on me then some rays of truth From thine illuminated mind." Perchance the Prophet heard him not, Or busied well, seemed not to hear, Or, interrupted, then forgot How all mankind to God are dear: Disputing with the great and strong, He frowned in momentary pride, While through the jeering outer throng Th' unnoticed suppliant crept aside. But, in the calm of that midnight, The Voice that seldom kept aloof From his blest pillow spoke the right, And uttered words of stern reproof: -- "How dost thou know that poor man's soul Did not on thy regard depend? The rich and proud thy moods controul; -- @3I@1 meant thee for the mourner's friend." Deep in the Prophet's contrite heart The holy reprimand remained, And blind Abdallah for his part Kindness and reverence then obtained: Twice, after years of sacred strife, Within Medeenah's walls he ruled, The man through whom Mohammed's life Into its perfect grace was schooled. And, from the warning of that night, No one, however humble, past Without salute the Prophet's sight, Or felt his hand not held the last: And every one was free to hear His high discourse, and in his breast Unburden theirs without a fear Of troubling his majestic rest. Thus too, when Muslim Muslim meets, Though new the face and strange the road, His "Peace be on you" sweetly greets The ear, and lightens many a load: Proclaiming that in Allah's plan True men of every rank and race Form but one family of man, One Paradise their resting-place. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...BILL AND JOE by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES CHRISTMAS IN INDIA by RUDYARD KIPLING WAITING FOR THE GRAPES by WILLIAM MAGINN THE STRICKEN HART by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT THE FINAL WAR by HARRY RANDOLPH BLYTHE LONG AGO by CLARA EXLINE BOCKOVEN |