Classic Poem

AN ARAB LEGEND

The Prophet once, sitting in calm debate,
Said: " I am Wisdom's fortress; but the gate
Thereof is Ali. " Wherefore, some who heard,
With unbelieving jealousy were stirred;
And, that they might on him confusion bring,
Ten of the boldest joined to prove the thing.
" Let us in turn to Ali go, " they said,
" And ask if Wisdom should be sought instead
Of earthly riches; then, if he reply
To each of us, in thought, accordantly,
And yet to none, in speech or phrase, the same,
His shall the honor be, and ours the shame. "

Now, when the first his bold demand did make,
These were the words which Ali straightway spake; —

" Wisdom is the inheritance of those
Whom Allah favors; riches, of his foes. "

Unto the second he said; " Thyself must be
Guard to thy wealth; but Wisdom guardeth thee. "

Unto the third: " By Wisdom wealth is won;
But riches purchased wisdom yet for none. "

Unto the fourth: " Thy goods the thief may take;
But into Wisdom's house he cannot break. "

Unto the fifth: " Thy goods decrease the more
Thou giv'st; but use enlarges Wisdom's store. "

Unto the sixth: " Wealth tempts to evil ways;
But the desire of Wisdom is God's praise. "

Unto the seventh: " Divide thy wealth, each part
Becomes a pittance. Give with open heart.

" Thy wisdom, and each separate gift shall be
All that thou hast, yet not impoverish thee. "

Unto the eighth: " Wealth cannot keep itself;
But Wisdom is the steward even of pelf. "

Unto the ninth: " The camels slowly bring
Thy goods; but Wisdom has the swallow's wing. "

And lastly, when the tenth did question make,
These were the ready words which Ali spake: —
" Wealth is a darkness which the soul should fear;
But Wisdom is the lamp that makes it clear. "

Crimson with shame the questioners withdrew,
And they declared: " The Prophet's words were true;
The mouth of Ali is the golden door
Of Wisdom. "

When his friends to Ali bore
These words, he smiled and said:
" And should they ask
The same until my dying day, the task
Were easy; for the stream from Wisdom's well,
Which God supplies, is inexhaustible. "