bigoted to tradition in their interpretations of the Koran, the
Hanifites consider themselves as at liberty in any difficulty to
make use of their own reason.


TO THE CALIPH HARUN-AL-RASHID[11]

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.

_Ibrahim Ben Adham_.

[11] The author of this poem was a hermit of Syria, equally celebrated
for his talents and piety. He was son to a prince of Khorasan, and
born about the ninety-seventh year of the Hegira. This poem was
addressed to the Caliph upon his undertaking a pilgrimage to Mecca.


LINES TO HARUN AND YAHIA[12]

Th' affrighted sun ere while he fled,
And hid his radiant face in night;
A cheerless gloom the world overspread--