TO THE KHALIF
HAROUN ALRASHID,
ON HIS UNDERTAKING A PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA.
By IBRAHIM BEN ADHEM.
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.
