Since faredst thou, who wast to them instead of father lost
when they like nestled fledglings were, sans power to creep or fly.
And now we hope--since broke the clouds their word and troth with us--
Hope from the Caliph's grace to gain a rain that ne'er shall dry.'
When the Caliph heard this, he said, "By Allah, O Jarir! Omar possesseth but an hundred dirhams. Ho boy! do thou give them to him!" Moreover, he gifted Jarir with the ornaments of his sword; and Jarir went forth to the other poets, who asked him, "What is behind thee?" ["What is thy news?">[ and he answered, "A man who giveth to the poor, and who denieth the poets; and with him I am well pleased."
DOMINIQUE FRANÇOIS ARAGO
(1786-1853)
BY EDWARD S. HOLDEN
