Be unto thee a bonded slave until the day I die.’
Then Abu the gazelle let go; to her dear young she went,
‘Quick, children, take my breast,’ she said, ‘my life is almost spent;
‘The Master of the Universe for me a pledge I gave,
But I must swift return and then no man my life can save.’
Then said the little ones to her, ‘Mother, we dare not eat;
Go swiftly back, redeem the pledge, fast as can fly thy feet.’
One hour had scarce run fully out when, panting, she was there;
Now, Abu, son of Abu, thou mayest take her life or spare!
Said Abu, ‘In the Prophet’s name, depart, I set you free ...