ma,
the daughter of Mohammed. He was born at Ispahan, but passed the
principal part of his life in Egypt, where he was appointed chief
of the sheriffs, i.e. the descendants of the Prophet, a dignity
held in the highest veneration by every Mussulman. He died in the
year of the Hegira 418, with the reputation of being one of the
most excellent poets of his time.

THE VALE OF BOZAA[30]

The intertwining boughs for thee
Have wove, sweet dell, a verdant vest,
And thou in turn shalt give to me
A verdant couch upon thy breast.

To shield me from day's fervid glare
Thine oaks their fostering arms extend,
As anxious o'er her infant care
I've seen a watchful mother bend.

A brighter cup, a sweeter draught,
I gather from that rill of thine,
Than maddening drunkards ever quaff'd,
Than all the treasures of the vine.

So smooth the pebbles on its shore,
That not a maid can thither stray,
But counts her strings of jewels o'er,
And thinks the pearls have slipp'd away.

_Ahmed Ben Yousef Almenazy_.

[30] Ben Yousef for many years acted as vizir to Abou Nasser, Sultan
of Diarbeker. His political talents are much praised, and he is
particularly celebrated for the address he displayed while upon
an embassy to the Greek Emperor at Constantinople. Yousef's
poetry must be looked upon merely as a jeu d'esprit suggested
by the beauties of the vale of Bozaa, as he passed through it.

TO ADVERSITY[31]

Hail, chastening friend Adversity! 'Tis thine
The mental ore to temper and refine,
To cast in virtue's mould the yielding heart,
And honor's polish to the mind impart.
Without thy wakening touch, thy plastic aid,
I'd lain the shapeless mass that nature made;
But form'd, great artist, by thy magic hand,
I gleam a sword to conquer and command.

_Abou Menbaa Carawash_.

[31] The life of this prince was checkered with various adventures;
he was perpetually engaged in contests either with the neighboring
sovereigns, or the princes of his own family. After many struggles
he was obliged to submit to his brother, Abou Camel, who
immediately ordered him to be seized, and conveyed to a place
of security.

ON THE INCOMPATIBILITY OF PRIDE AND TRUE GLORY[32]

Think not, Abdallah, pride and fame
Can ever travel hand in hand;
With breast oppos'd, and adverse aim,
On the same