The poet's subtle discourse in criticism of the Shí‘ites of Aleppo.
“Yes,” said he; “but where (in relation to our time) is the epoch of Yazíd? When did this grievous tragedy occur? How late has (the news of) it arrived here!
The eyes of the blind have seen that loss, the ears of the deaf have heard that story.
Have ye been asleep till now, that (only) now ye have rent your garments in mourning?
Then, O sleepers, mourn for yourselves, for this heavy slumber is an evil death.
A royal spirit escaped from a prison: why should we rend our garments and how should we gnaw our hands?
Since they were monarchs of the (true) religion, ’twas the hour of joy (for them) when they broke their bonds.
They sped towards the pavilion of empire, they cast off their fetters and chains.
’Tis the day of (their) kingship and pride and sovereignty, if thou hast (even) an atom of knowledge of them.
And if thou hast not (this) knowledge, go, weep for thyself, for thou art disbelieving in the removal (from this world to the next) and in the assembly at the Last Judgement.
Mourn for thy corrupt heart and religion, for it (thy heart) sees naught but this old earth.
Or if it is seeing (the spiritual world), why is it not brave and supporting (others) and self-sacrificing and fully contented?
In thy countenance where is the happiness (which is the effect) of the wine of (true) religion? If thou hast beheld the Ocean (of Bounty), where is the bounteous hand?
He that has beheld the River does not grudge water (to the thirsty), especially he that has beheld that Sea and (those) Clouds.”
