An oyster-shell is crushed; its pearl escapes attaint.
Then serve the camel; that is, list to saint in flesh;
And with his righteous soul thou’lt serve one Lord afresh.
When Sālih saw the evil deed they’d foully wrought,
In three days’ time a judgment from his God he sought.280
“Three days from hence,” said he, “affliction will befall;
Of which, three signs precursors shall be. You’ll see, all.
The colour of your faces shall be changed to view;
Complexions various shall be seen in each of you.
Upon the first day, saffron’s hue shall be their tinge;