To the Caliph Harun-al-Rashid

To the Caliph Harun-al-Rashid
by Ibrahim Ben Adham, translated by Epiphanius Wilson
552011To the Caliph Harun-al-RashidEpiphanius WilsonIbrahim Ben Adham

  Religion's gems can ne'er adorn
  The flimsy robe by pleasure worn;
  Its feeble texture soon would tear,
  And give those jewels to the air.

  Thrice happy they who seek th' abode
  Of peace and pleasure, in their God!
  Who spurn the world, its joys despise,
  And grasp at bliss beyond the skies.