12

Out of Hejaz and the lonely plain
The Guide of the Time is come,
Back from the far, far vale again
The Caravan hastens home.

Lo, on the brow of the slaves I see
The Sultan’s splendour bright,
The dust of Ayaz shines radiantly
With Mahmud’s torch alight.

In Kaaba and Temple long, long years
The deep lament arose,
Till from Love’s banquet now appears
One Man who the Secret knows.

The sighs that out of the bosom break
Of a people at earnest prayer
A brave and new foundation make
In Life’s mind everywhere.

O take the trembling lute from me,
For my hand can play no more;
In streams of blood my melody
From the heart of the harp doth pour