المعلقات السبع (The Seven Suspended Odes — Arabic text with English)

society of chosen friends, of his giving food to the poor in winter, of his defence of the tribe against raids, of his acting as a scout riding a good and fleet horse, of his enjoying mental and moral superiority over his rivals, and of his taking share in camel-games with a high spirit of liberality, the flesh thereof, when won, being entirely used in relieving the wants of the needy and the orphans. The poem then concludes with a pithy and magnificent description of the glories of his tribe.

The poet here is an accomplished man, possessed of a great experience of the world and society. Though true in love, he is the last to put up with an unrequited love. He is a noble person of many virtues, among which conspicuously shine his liberality, relieving the wants of the needy, dispensation of justice, honest dealing, freedom from envy, unrestrained hospitality, and readiness to serve his people under any circumstances, however trying—virtues wherein he considers his chief pride and glory to consist. Most of these virtues he derives from his tribe, who possess them in a very high degree, though commonly characteristic of the Arab nation. His enjoyment in gambling and wine is due not to libidinous habits, but rather to a generous disposition, either to afford relief to the needy, to make society agreeable, to patronize hopeful merchants, or to while away his time in the quiet society of a few chosen friends. His courser is rather inferior to the princely steed of Imra-ul-Qais. His knowledge of sylvan scenes and sports seems to be deep and familiar.

The language is elevated and sublime throughout, and embellished with beautiful images and metaphors, quite in keeping both with the glories of the tribe celebrated therein, and with the grave and steady mind of the old poet.

POEM V.

This poem is introduced by the poet’s asking his beloved to give him a cup of rich wine to drink. He asks her to listen