(By Ali ben Mohammed Altahmany)

Tyrant of man! Imperious Fate!

I bow before thy dread decree,

Nor hope in this uncertain state

To find a seat secure from thee.

Life is a dark, tumultuous stream,

With many a care and sorrow foul,

Yet thoughtless mortals vainly deem

That it can yield a limpid bowl.

Think not that stream will backward flow,