And offered adoration in the temple’s show.
That instant ‘Alī dropped his sword, high poised in air,
And left the spitter harmless;—action debonnair.5
This raised the foe’s astonishment; called forth his awe.
That pardon, that forgiveness, grew not from war’s law.
He said to ‘Alī: “Thou thy sword hadst raised to slay.
Why hast thou dropt it now,—prolonged my forfeit day?
What hast thou seen, surpassing prowess of my arm,
That thus thou hast repented,—left me free from harm?
What may it be has calmed the fury of thy breast,