HAROUN ER-RASHEED’S POET.
Khalifah Haroun, surnamed Er-Rasheed,
In the calm evening of a festal day,
Ordered his bard, Abu-l’Atahiyeh,
To praise the life it pleased his lord to lead.
The poet bowed and stirred the silver wires,
And sang, ‘Khalifah, peace and pleasure wait
Within the shadow of your palace gate,
And deep fulfilment of your heart’s desires.’