Was in misrule where uproar gave the law,

And ere from far Damascus they could learn

The Caliph’s pleasure, many a moon must pass.

What should be done? should Abulcacem march

To Cordoba, and in the Caliph’s name

Assume the power which to his rank in arms

Rightly devolved, restoring thus the reign

Of order? or pursue with quicken’d speed

The end of this great armament, and crush

Rebellion first, then to domestic ills