  (From the Arabic of the Fifty-sixth SÚrat of the Koran, entitled "The Inevitable.") When the Day of Wrath and Mercy cometh, none shall doubt it come; Unto hell some it shall lower, and exalt to heaven some. When the Earth with great shocks shaketh, and the mountains crumble flat, Quick and Dead shall be divided fourfold:—on this side and that. The "Companions of the Right Hand" (ah! how joyful they will be!) The "Companions of the Left Hand" (oh! what misery to see!) Such, moreover, as of old times loved the truth, and taught it well, First in faith, they shall be foremost in reward. The rest to hell. But those souls attaining Allah, oh! the Gardens of good cheer Kept to bless them! Yea, besides the "faithful," many shall be there. Lightly lying on soft couches, beautiful with 'broidered gold, Friends with friends, they shall be served by youths immortal, who shall hold. "AkwÂb, abareek"—cups and goblets, brimming with celestial wine, Wine that hurts not head or stomach: this and fruits of heav'n which shine. Bright, desirable; and rich flesh of what birds they relish best. Yea! and—feasted—there shall soothe them damsels fairest, stateliest; Damsels, having eyes of wonder, large black eyes, like hidden pearls, "Lulu-l-maknÛn": Allah grants them for sweet love those matchless girls. Never in that Garden hear they speech of folly, sin, or dread, Only Peace; "SALAMUN" only; that one word for ever said. Peace! Peace! Peace!—and the "Companions of the Right Hand" (ah! those bowers!) They shall lodge 'mid thornless lote-groves; under mawz-trees thick with flowers; Shaded, fed, by flowing waters; near to fruits that never cloy, Hanging ever ripe for plucking; and at hand the tender joy, Of those Maids of Heaven—the HÛris. Lo! to these we gave a birth Specially creating. Lo! they are not as the wives of earth. Ever virginal and stainless, howsooften they embrace, Always young, and loved, and loving, these are. Neither is there grace, Like the grace and bliss the Black-eyed keep for you in Paradise; Oh, "Companions of the Right Hand"! oh! ye others who were wise! |
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