There greets them when they come home full many a handmaid fine,

and ready, on trestles, hang the mantles of scarlet silk.

Yea, softly they wrap their limbs, well-knowing of wealth and ease,

in rich raiment, white-sleeved, green at the shoulder--in royal guise.

They look not on Weal as men who know not that Woe comes, too:

they look not on evil days as though they would never mend.

Lo, this was my gift to Ghassân, what time I sought

My people; and all my paths were darkened, and strait my ways.


NUSAIB