IV.
Another Jewish King, Persecutor of Christians.

A second Jewish king, descendant of the first,

To persecute the Christians showed hate’s fiercest thirst.

If information’s sought about this wicked king,

That chapter of the Qur’ān read: “Heaven’s Girdle-Ring.”[121]

A sorry rite it was the first had introduced;

With cruel zeal this wicked rite the last abused.

The introducer of a rule that tends to ill,

Draws on his head deep curses, morn and even, still.

The good decease; their bright example serves as guide;