To Emir Abd El Kader In Damascus

1 Praise of living virtuous men Is like praising God himself, And good news received with love Is like the Ghost in Mary's womb. 2 Accept then, Sir, a distant tribute, You, who are like a shield of God; May an orphan's tears, a cripple's tears Shine as baptism on your head. 3 The one God reigns from age to age, None knows the measure of His favours; He bids the nails drop from his wounds, He orders stars to shine as spurs; 4 His foot is in the rainbow's stirrup, He rides to Judgement day; Who gave Him earth and sky ? Who gave Him light and shade? 5 And if in tears of tortured men, If in innocent maidens' blood, If in the waking child, There is only the one God, 6 Then let your tent be broader Than David's cedar groves; For of the Magi you were first To mount your horse upon the hour !