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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
A LESSON OF MERCY, by GEORGE MURRAY (1830-1910) First Line: Beneath a palm-tree by a clear cool spring Last Line: Clasped hands in token that their feud was o'er. Subject(s): Mercy | |||
BENEATH a palm-tree by a clear cool spring God's Prophet, Mahomet, lay slumbering, Till, roused by chance, he saw before him stand A foeman, Durther, scimitar in hand. The chieftain bade the startled sleeper rise; And with a flame of triumph in his eyes, "Who now can save thee, Mahomet?" he cried. "God," said the Prophet, "God, my friend and guide." Awe-struck the Arab dropped his naked sword, Which, grasped by Mahomet, defied its lord: And, "Who can save thee now thy blade is won?" Exclaimed the Prophet. Durther answered, "None!" Then spake the victor: "Though thy hands are red With guiltless blood unmercifully shed, I spare thy life, I give thee back thy steel: Henceforth, compassion for the helpless feel." And thus the twain, unyielding foes of yore, Clasped hands in token that their feud was o'er. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE MERCY SEAT by NORMAN DUBIE MUCHAS GRACIAS POR TODO by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE VILLON'S EPITAPH by FRANCOIS VILLON UNDER THE VULTURE-TREE by DAVID BOTTOMS THE FORLORN ONE by RICHARD HARRIS BARHAM MERCY PLEADS by LUCRETIA STOUT BELLOWS A BALLAD FOR CHRISTMAS-TIDE by GEORGE MURRAY (1830-1910) A DREAM ABOUT THE ASPEN by GEORGE MURRAY (1830-1910) A LEGEND OF THE CHILD JESUS; WRITTEN FOR A CHILD by GEORGE MURRAY (1830-1910) |
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