/f ^'-r>iM:iP£^5r^HT i I. THE KINGDOM OF JINNEESTAHN . . 1 1. The Designs of Iblees . , 2 2. Ed-Dimiryaht in Heaven 14 3. The Council of Kings 25 4. The Gifts of Azraeel 31 II. MEYMOONEH 41 1. Jinneestahn and Siberia 41 2. Meymooneh and Zelemboor 53 III. SULEYMAHN IBN DAHOOD 63 1. The Seal and the Carpet 64 2. Dahish 70 a. The Fall of Sidon 77 4. The Rebellion of Faktash 82 5. The Siege of Joharahbahd 88 6. The City of Amber 97 7. The Restoration of Suleymahn .... 103 8. The Queen of Seba 109 9. The Visions of Ahssaf 117 10. The Death of Suleymahn 121 IV. THE FOUNTAIN OE YOUTH 127 1. The Expedition of Iskender 127 2. El Khidr and Ilyahs . 132 V. THE DAU&HTEE OP IBLEES 135 1. Balkees and Hasan 135 2. Mount Kahf 145 3. The Death of Balkees 150 VI. THE CLOSE OP A CYCLE 156 1. The Trumpet of Israhfeel 156 2. The Siraht 164 3. Jahennem 169 4. The Consummation • 176 VIII Pago NOTES TO ED-DIMIRYAHT 1?0 ALCYONE 1^9 I. The Friends 189 II. The Sun . 195 III. The Inferior Planets 200 IV. Alcyone 206 BIRDS Of PARADISE 209 THE POET 210 THE NOBNIE 212 THE FUTURE 214 THALASSA 216 QUEEN GUNHHiDA 220 Part 1 220 Part II 223 Part III 226 HERACLES AND IPHICLES 229 SIR BEDIVERE . ." 232 ED-DIMIRYAHT. BOOK THE FIRST. THE KINGDOM OF JINNEESTAHN. ARGUMENT. I. The Seventh Earth. Iblees and his followers. His Defiance. His troops build him a palace. Descent of his family. They swear allegiance to him. Ed-Dimiryaht and Marjahneh refuse. Marjahneh imprisoned. Escape of Ed-Dimiryaht. Iblees sends his sons to sum- mon a general assembly of the Kings of the Jinn. Zelemboor com- missioned to pursue Ed-Dimiryaht. ' II. Ed-Dimiryaht ascends to Heaven. Appearance of Azraeel. Their flight to the Throne of God. Repulse of Zelemboor. The Archangels. God sends Ed-Dimiryaht to the Seventh Earth with the Sword of Azraeel. III. Speeches of Iblees and Ed-Dimiryaht. The kings form two parties. Iblees attachs Ed-Dimiryaht, but only loses the arms of Jarjarees. Marjahneh and Dahsim. Kepulse of Iblees and his army. Ed-Dimiryaht escapes to the earth with his follovfers. ^ THE KINGDOM OF JINNEESTAHN. IV. Mount Kahf. Ed Dimiryaht founds the Kingdom of Jin- neestaliri, Marjahneh becomes his wife. Azraeel reclaims his sword. Its hidden properties. The glories of Jinneestahn. The yain attempts of Iblees to invade the country. CANTO I THE DESIGNS OF IBLEES. Where, son of Jarjarees, ' is now thy home? How canst thou dwell in either Earth or Heaven Beneath the curse of God? Material force Is needed not to drive thee to an earth ^ The lowest of the Seven, where God decrees 5 Thou shalt await thy doom till time is o'er. The light of Heaven, or e'en the light of Earth, Thy proud, ungrateful spirit cannot bear, But needs a world of everlasting gloom, "Whose dreary horrors may benumb despair. 10 Ungrateful wretch to wreak thy wrath on men,' Since God a portion af His boundless love Lavished on them! Supposest thou that God Loved thee tlie less because he made a race Superior, yet inferior to thy own! 15 For countless ages lay the Seventh Earth, A cheerless desert racked by fearful storms. Barren alike was hill and plain and sea, For never shines a ray af heavenlj' light, On worlds that lie beneath the highest earth. 20 The light may touch, but may not chase their gloom : An awful twilight can but half reveal THE DESIGNS OP IBLEES. 3 The horrors of those worlds. The Seventh Earth, All desolation in itself combines, For neither beast nor herb nor tree can bear 25 The deadly gas that issues from its soil. Angels and Jinn* have ever shunned a world So desolate! A fearful mystery Has hung around it long, for angels ask, "Why should so desolate a region be?" 30 At length a troop of angels and of Jinn Approach the fearful spot, and cleave and hew The mountains' rugged sides, and with the rocks Rear a stupendous hall; but o'er the hall, A cloud of gloom no splendour might dispel, 35 (If splendour on the palace e'er might rest,) Is brooding, and a sad and evil look Hangs o'er the palace. There they reared a throne For him who led them here to share his woe, And seats that suited well the council-hall, 40 Composed of rocks from oul the mountains hewn. Behold their Leader where he stands apart While they complete the work, a mass of rock Grasped in his hand with such convulsive force. As furious thoughts come surging through his brain, 45 That e'en the rock is crushed. He heeds it not. But recklessly he hurls around the flames ^ That well proclaim him of the race of Jinn, Heedless of all things save the unwonted cares, And the presumptuous thoughts that rage within, 50 And goad him on to evil, while they brand The scars of pride and cruelty and wrath Deep in his brow ; and these the Zakkoom « juice Alone shall cleanse away. At length he spoke, 4 THE KINGDOM OF JINNEESTAHN. Crushing t.lie stone to powder in his hand, 55 And gazing upward with a hideous scowl. ' Tyrant, the sons of Flame stoop not to Earth ! If, Allah, thou wouldst once again I'eceive El Hahrith into favour, did he kneel To Adam, he would spurn indignantly 60 The tempting offer! Hast thou made a race Superior to the Jinn? Behold, they fell Before the first temptation! Are not these Above the angels, and above the Jinn? El Hahrith has o'ercome thee! Vainly curse 65 Thy conquering slave who now defies thy power! El Hahrith shall destroy the puny race Thou dotest thus upon; nor stops he here, For all the Jinn and all the angels too Shall join his host of heroes, and at length 70 Shall teach thee that El Hahrith ne'er forgives A conquered enemj-!" • The Jinnee ceased His impious speech, and quenching first his flames. Approached the palace with unsteadj' steps, While plain appeared the tumult in his soul, 75 Convulsing all his frame with bootless rage. Too proud was Iblecs to perceive his state, But in his leart he felt all peace was gone. How dread soever outward pains may be, Jahennem's flames and Zakkoom burn within, 80 And not without, a sinner. Iblees felt Plow true was this, but stifled the despair That well might warrant now his altered name. And when he reached the hall his troops had built, Mounted the throne, and gazed upon the Jinn, 85 THE DESIGNS OF IBLEES. 5 The sons of Iblees ' when their father fell, Among themselves debated were it best To stcay in heaven, or call their children round And seek to learn his fate? The latter course So forcibly was urged by Teer, that all 90 Bowed to his judgement, sending through the heavens. Their messengers to call the favoured Jinn Who dwelt among the angels. Some there were, Who ventured to upraise a warning voice. But these were overruled, and all agreed 95 To follow Iblees to the Seventh Earth, And learn the upshot of his fatal sin. When Iblees saw his sons, a look of joy And evil triumph flashed across his face. And speaking not, he bade the guards by sign 100 To part their ranks, dividing right and left, Until his sons should stand before his throne. And close behind them. Iblees rose and stood, Prepared to force his sons to share his doom, Still on his face the look of fiendish joy, 105 W^hen from his brow the withered lote-tree wreath ^ Fell to the ground, the fadeless leaves of heaven Blackened and blasted by the rebel's sin ! He saw the portent: swift he turned away To hide his face from all who near him stood. 110 Dismayed and deadly sick at heart he felt, For well he understood the awful sign. And knew that God had left him to himself. But quickly Iblees turned and faced his troops, And seizing franticly the withered leaves, 115 He cast them in the air, and cried aloud, "Beliold me cast away the leaves of Heaven! 6 THE KINGDOM OF JINNEESTAHN. So cast I Allah from me, he whose power Depends on me. I now withdraw my aid, And fall he must. He thinks himself a king. 120 A king indeed! He cares so much for ease. That evermore he sits upon his throne. To view the shining worlds that lie beneath! To slaves who toil for him, he trusts his worlds, (And chiefly to myself in former years) 125 And now I serve him not, his worlds must sink In darkness. I will hurl him off the throne, Whereon myself I placed him. He shall know El Hahrith is his enemj', for ne'er To him I'll kneel again. The human race, 130 Which Allah calls superior to ourselves, Will we destroy. My sons, I call on you To aid me in my righteous enterprise. But if you will not greet me as your king, My troops shall slay you. In my hand you are, 135 And I must weaken and destroy the force Of Allah at whatever points I can, Though I may seem to act against myself." They looked around them when they heard his words. But could not now escape; and one by one 140 The sons of Iblees knelt before bis throne, And 'mid the army's acclamations, swore Eternal enmity to God and man. Then Iblees spoke again, "Before my throne, Let my descendants kneel and own my power, 145 And let them take the oath of emnity To God and all his creatures. I am king ! Yes; Allah would have slain me if he could. But he perceived that 'twas beyond his power, THE DESIGNS OF IBLEES, 7 So when to Adam I refused to kneel, 150 He granted me a respite to repent! How I despise his folly! He has lost His chance of ever crushing me. Ye know My father Jarjarees opposed his might. And 'twas the fault of treason if he failed 155 To slay the tyrant. When my father fell, The angels made me prisoner. I have served The conqueror till he thought to make me kneel Before a thing of earth. An army flocked Around my standard, and I led them here, 160 And they shall tear the tyrant from his throne. And drag him to my feet, when I'll inflict On him the tortures he reserves for me!" And were there none who dared to face the Chief? Did all his weak descendants bow the knee 165 Before the rebel Iblees? Many knelt, And took the fearful oath; but two there were Who stood alone amid the abject crowd. One was an Efreet who had long been known To be the most unwearied of his race, 170 In every task assigned him when in Heaven. Though Ed-Dimiryaht " was Zelemboor's son, And though Zelemboor first of all had knelt Before his father Iblees, he would stoop To none but Allah, Ed-Dimiryaht came, 175 In hope that he might lead to God again The rebel army. In succeeding years. Was Dahsim known as fiercest of the sons Of Iblees, yet his youngest daughter stood By Ed-Dimiryaht only. Iblees spoke, 180 But scarcely could repress the rage he felt. 8 THE KINGDOM OF JINNEESTAHN. Sufficiently to vent his wrath in -words. "Have all your kindred knelt before my throne, And yet you think I'll brook a sight like this? Your fathers have acknowledged me as king, 185 And ye, shall ye oppose your rightful Lord? Slaves, would you serve a tyrant who commands The sons of fire to stoop to things of earth ? 'Tis water, 'tis not flame that fills your veins ! Must 1 enforce submission by my troops, 190 Or will you yield to me? You did not hear My proclamation rightly, or supposed That I addressed my army? Yield to me. And I will honour you above the rest, But if you will not hear me, you shall die." 195 Zelemboor rose. "Permit me, King, to speak. — You cannot stand against El Plahrith's might, And, Ed-Diniiryaht, I mvself have bowed To his decrees. His wrath is swift and sure. Appease it while you may. The Seventh Earth 200 Is dark and far from Heaven, and Allah's eyes Can never pierce its darkness. You may thus Remain in Heaven, and work mj' father's will. While Allah thinks you serve him. Thus may you Obtain rewards from both the rival Kings." 205 "And thus by serving neither, both deceive!'" Said Ed-Dimirj-aht gently, though his face Was sad and steadfast in its firm resolve. He mourned for those who bowed to Iblees down, But every moment bolder he became, 210 And firmer to resist El Hahrith's wrath. And those deceitful words Zelemboor spoke. "Yes, Allah can preserve us from j'our might! THE DESIGNS OF IBLEES. 9 El Hahrith, two acknowledge not your ppwer, And though we stand alone, the might of God 215 Surrounds us here, invisible to all. His e}'e can penetrate the darkest night, And do not think that he beholds us not, And do not hope to 'scape his awful might. Alas, O friends, will none among you all 220 Submit to Allah?" More he wished to say, But Dahsim to Marjahneh's'o side had sprung, And loud his voice resounded through the hall. "Marjahneh, traitress, wherefore still resolve To serve a king like Allah? Well were it 225 To kneel before El Hahrith, and beseech His pardon for your fault, or you shall feel The greatest punishment within his power, Although you are my daughter, do not think That I shall intercede for you with him. 230 Zelemboor has explained how j'ou may best Escape the anger of the rival kings. 'Tis best to yield and bow before my sire. And then return to Heaven, and there pretend You now opposed him. Then you oft may thwart 235 The plans of Allah, fearing not that he Your treachery will perceive. I give you now My counsel, O Marjahneh, and command That you obey me!" Then Marjahneh shrank Back from her father, yet she would not stoop 240 To Iblees, who was writhing on his throne In speechless rage and fury, while the troops Looked with respectful silence on the scene. 10 THE KINGDOM OF JINNKESTAHN. At leugth Marjahneh thus to Dahsim spoke, A calm determination in her face, 245 Resolved to oppose El Hahrith and his friends. "Alas, my father, -wherefore must I bow Before El Hahrith? Dare you call him God? He did not make me what I am. I yield To none but Allah, and hypocrisy, 250 If any dared to act that shameful part, He must at once perceive. His arm shall save Both Ed-Dimiryaht and myself from those Who cringe before a rebel." Once again Spoke Ed-Dimiryaht, but he now addressed 255 The rebel army. "Hear me, I demand! Do you not feel that innocence is gone, And happiness is fled for evermore? If you retm'n to Allah, hope remains, But should you aid El Hahrith's ill designs, 260 The punishments that Allah's mercy grants To lead you to himself, I dare not say. They will not be severer than your sins Have earned ; but pray for pardon from your King, Nor longer dare offend him, return 265 To virtue and to God, while time remains!" But Iblees now could speak, and up he sprang, . And dashed his iron sceptre to the ground, And shivered it to pieces in his rage, So that the splinters flew to evrey wall. 270 "What, yield to Allah! Never, though I lay Beneath the Sword of Azraeel ! ' ' Ne'er again • Will I submit to be his slave, and toil To please a tyrant! Ye who hear my words, THE DESIGNS OF IBLEES. 11 Remove the traitors from before my sight, 275 Lay them in chains and guard them. Thej' shall feel My wrath amid the whole assembled race Of Jinn. I loathe the sight of those who seek To please a tyrant, a destested wretch, Whom I abhor and utterly renounce, 280 And whom I now abandon evermore!" The guards closed round their victims, dragged them forth. And 'mid the mountains led them. First they seized Marjahneh, who resisted not her foes, But closed her eyes, and clasped her hands and prayed 285 They cast Marjahneh down, and o'er her piled A mighty heap of rocks. The guards stepped back. And seized an Ed-Dimiryaht, but he cried, "Marjahneh, fear not. I will fly to Heaven, And tear you from El Hahrith's wrath unscathed." 290 He spoke, and as he spoke, a sheet of flame That lighted all the gloomy hills around. Descended on his fadeless wreath of lote. The guards sprang back confounded, while he rose Above them, veiled in light they could not bear, 295 Nor had the band the courage to pursue, Till he was far away, and soon he reached The earth above, and this he cleft in twain, And vanished from his base pursuers' sight. The baffled guards beheld with shame and rage, 300 And thus their leader spoke: "We will not quit The Seventh Earth, for sure our foe has fled Back to the Heaven that he has never lost. We cannot overtake him, we are armed. And he has nought that might impede his flight, 305 12 THE KINGDOM OF JINNEESTAHN. And if we oveiiook him, who would face A Jinnee, whom the King .we dare not name, So openly protects? I will not risk A further conflict with him. We must go. And must acquaint p]l Hahrith with his flight." 310 Slowly they turned their flight to earth again, Each blaming all the others, downcast, sad, And dreading most of all to face their King. Meantime El Harith thus addressed his slaves. "I wish to call the mighty Kings who rule 315 The race of Jinn who dwell beneath the heavens. They surely cannot now refuse to grant The universal empire of the race, To me, the son of Jarjarees, the last, And greatest of the Kings to whom they bowed, 320 Ere Allah in his folly made mankind. Dahsim, Zelemboor, Soht, El Aawar, Teer, My faithful sons, command the Jinnee Kings To meet the son af Jarjarees, and crown Successor to him, one whom they shall deem 325 Most worthy of the honour. I have here His crown, his arms, his treasures. In my hall , When every monarch of the Jinn attends, Shall Ed-Dimiryaht and Marjahneh feel My utmost wrath," 330 As Iblees spoke, the guards, Rushed in confusion to his throne, and cried, "El Hahrith, Ed-Dimiryaht has escaped!" But he continued, "Seek the traitor out, Zelemboor, till yon find him, yet beware. Above the Seventh Heaven you may not soar, '2 335 For only Allah's faithful ones have power THE DESIGNS OP IBLEES. 13 To reach his Throne, o'erarching all the Heavens." "I hear and I obey!" Zelemboor cried, "And I will bring my son to suffer all That you can heap on his devoted head. 340 1 marvel much that he should meanly fear The vyrath of Allah, which you well may know Expends itself in empty threats alone. Did x\dam die, or Eve, upon the day When first they tasted the forbidden vine?''' 345 Nay, and Jahennem is an idle tale. And we shall never suffer punishment For what it pleases God to term our sins!" Swift to the earth, the highest of the seven. The sons of Iblees rose. Thej- bade the Kings 350 Attend the summons of the son of him Who ruled them last, to choose another Chief; And all the Kings obeyed. Zelemboor searched The Seven Earths in vain to find his son; Then bade his brothren to their father's realms 355 Descend with all the Kings, while he should search The Seven Heavens. He thought within himself, "El Hahrith has forwarned me that the wings Of those who dare 'gainst Allah to rebel. May ne'er approach his Throne; but nought I care 360 For this ; and if I find not else my son, I'll drag him from before the Throne itself. And all the angels may in vain oppose." Zelemboor, knowest thou not that thou art weak, As wickedness must ever find itself? 365 Aye, thou mayest seek thy son, but thou shalt learn No evil power shall ever crush him down!" 14 THE KINGDOM OF JINNEESTAHN. CANTO II. ED-DIMIRYAHT IN HEAVEN. When Ed-Dimiryaht left his foes afar, And reached the boundaries of the Seventh Earth, He checked his speed and feared pursuit no more 370 But did not cease his upward flight for that, Until he hovered o'er the highest Earth, Which shone with life and beauty, for the clouds Enhanced the radiance of the summer sun. And rarely veiled it with their fleecy folds. §75 As yet the foot of man had scarcely touched The virgin sod. It seemed as God himself, Had planted o'er the earth a garden fair, Where no decay could injure or destroy. Well might the Jinnee as lie gazed exclaim : 380 "How beautiful this earth which lies below! surely God is merciful to grant So bright a home to Adam and to Eve, '^ Although they disoheyd his high commands. And lost the Heaven in which he placed them first ! 385 Here will I dwell, — my race is made for Earth : They cannot yet endure the bliss of Heaven, And like mankind they also yield to sin. But here on earth may Allah's work be done, And Heaven be won by waiting. Would to God, 390 1 might induce El Hahrlth here to dwell, And bow before his rightful Lord again! I must confront El Ilahrith in bis pride, And wrest Marjahneh from the Evil Jinn. Against the Jinn the Heavens are never closed, 395 ED-DIMIRYAHT IN HEAVEN. 15 And I have never sinned against my God, And He who saved me once will aid me now." He turned and left the earth and soaring up, He reached the portals of the lowest Heaven, And unopposed he passed the open gate. 400 The angels who beheld him thronged around : "A messenger from lower worlds has come, Not one of us, but sprung from smokeless fire. Say on what mission sent you sought the earth. And what success was your's?" But one who knew 405 The Jinnee, thus addressed him: "Come you not. Son of Zelemhoor, from the Seventh Eartli ? Unwithered still is your celestial wreath; By that we know you have not joined the Fiend. Were you the onh' faithful one who dared 410 Against EI Hahrith's counsels raise his voice? If others spoke against him, it is strange That you alone have sought your ancient home," Then Ed-Dimiryaht mournfully replied, "Marjahneh only dared with me oppose 415 El Hahrith. She is laid in chains; and here I come to seek assistance from your might." As with one voice the angels all exclaimed, "Should Allah not forbid it, every one With you will seek the Seventh Earth, and face 420 The rebel host, nor dread El Hahrith's might; Although there was a time when none would dare To say a word against him. Great are those Who fail not in temptation! They shall tread The Bridge of Breadth '^ in safety! God be praised, 425 That all the race of Iblees is not 'lost !" 16 THE KINGDOM OF JINNEESTAHN. An apgel, who had stood apart, and gazed Far in the heavens, approached the throng, and stood, His hand upraised, and pointing to the sky. As he addressed his fellows : "See you not 430 In distant space, a beam of glorious light? 'Tis some Archangel sent from Allah's Throne To Ed-Dimiryaht. — It is Azraeel's self. The sternest, yet the mildest of our race. Most pitiless and yet most merciful; 435 'Tis he whose Sword shall dry up every tear, Right every wrong, and every holy joy Restore. For no light purpose he descends From where ho sits before the Throne of God! But swift he comes, and we shall shortly hear 440 The message which he brings us." Solemnly They waited the Archangel. He was crowned With lote - leaves like themselves, but mixed with these, What ave those tongues of lurid flame that glide Amid his shining wreath? The Zakkooni leaves 445 Are twisted with the lote, the tree of Hell, Thus mingling with the holiest tree of Heaven, To crown the noblest form that ever yet Had Ed-Dimiryaht seen. Tlie angel's face Was stern and calm ; no passion could disturb 450 Its settled mouriifulness, and yet his eyes With holy joy were bright ; and those who gazed Might see all mysteries hidden in tJie depths Of his dark eyes, so deep that none could read Their meaning fully. Tiiey were as the sea, 455 Which far below that daring diver lav, " ED-DIMIEYAHT IN HEAVEN. 17 Who plunged amid Charybdis' jaws of foam, And who beheld the darkening gulf that slept Unruffled by the breezes that above Might play upon the happier, lighter waves: 460 Save where the mighty torrents rushed, unmoved An awful gulf of iixkj purple hue. The secrets dread concealed from human eye That diver dared to pierce. Again he dived, To win a peerless prize by braving Hell, 465 And he returned no more. As deep a gulf, As fathomless as that the diver viewed, Were Azraeel's wondrous eyes. O marvel , not, If he of all the angels never smiles! Though his bright presence lightened Heaven around, 470 Yet his broad wings cast gloom where'er their shade Fell on the ground. The angel swiftly flew To those who still round Ed-Dimiryaht stood, And presently alighting in the midst, To Ed-Dimiryaht he addressed his words. 475 "Son of Zelemboor, hast thou then alone Resisted Iblees, and unharmed escaped The dire contagion of thy evil house? Have the celestial wreaths of all thy race Faded, as that of Iblees? Were there none 480 To stand by thee? I scarcely can believe That all the rest of Iblees' troops are lost: But if there were among them those who feared To pledge themselve.'i the rebel's willing slaves, Why sought they not with thee their ancient home ?" 485 Undazzled by the Archangel's glorious form, Was Ed-Dimiryaht, as he made reply. "Mightiest of angels, one beside me stood 2 18 THK KINGDOM OF JINNEESTAHN. Who would not stoop to Iblees. She awaits The punishment his cruelty suggests, 490 In chains. grant that even if too late To warn El Hahrith to renounce his sins, That 1 may seek again the Seventh Earth, And wrest Marjahneh from the unpitying hosts!" He ceased, and Azraeel answered, "Do not hope 495 The power is thine to lead El Hahrith back ! Jahennem must receive the rebel Jinn, Until their sins are wholly purged away. '^ Thou yet art true, and though thou mayst approach The Throne that arches o'er the Seventh Heaven, 500 Yet those who dare 'gainst Allah to rebel, If they should strive to reach his awful Throne, Would strike against a bar of adamant. And chains would weigh them to the Seventh Earth. But God himself shall teach thee how to act; 505 So seek with me his Throne." . He spoke, and sprang Again into the air, but not alone, For Ed-Dirairyaht followed, whilst the Heaven Below them rushed away. It vanished soon. And empty space above, below, around, 510 Spread far as eye could reach. Another Heaven Above them arched, but Azraeel did not stay Till in the Seventh Heaven he set his feet, When he to Ed-Dimiryaht spoke again: "Above us yet the Throne of God is fixed, 515 More distant than the highest Heaven itself Is from the lowest Earth. Around the Throne, A blaze of light and glory infinite Extends for ever. Thinkest thou thy wings ED-DIMIRYAHT IN HEAVEN. 19 Can bear tliee up before the Throne of God, 520 Or that thy eyes can bear the dazzling h'ght? If thou dost fear to seek the Throne thyself, Await me here." Again he sprang on high, But Ed-Dimirj'aht followed fearlessly. Zelemboor vainly sought his son before 525 In lower Heavens, and closely now pursued In fury, but he dashed with all his force Against the barrier. He recoiled, amazed. Yet, viewing no resistance, rushed again To seize his son. Again he struck the bar, 530 And bands that none could break around him closed. He tried to grasp the chains he could not see, — They clung around till every limb was bound And powerless. To the Seventh Earth he fell, There all the chains were loosed, and he was left 535 Within the Hall of Iblees, whence he came, A fitter place than Heaven or earth for him! "Behold my father!" Ed-Dimirj'aht cried. "I hoped that he at least in heart was true. Yet has he fallen! The future's plain to thee: 540 Will he repent before the Trumpet sounds, And will the bridge Siraht support his weight?" "Nay!" Azraeel answered, "surely in his heart, Zelemboor has rebelled. The fearful bridge Shall. sink beneath the wicked. Thou shalt see 545 The troops of Iblees,. when compelled to pass The bridge, fall headlong in the gulf below. But never shouldst thou yield unto despair! Jahennem's flames are doomed to pass away. This mayst thou know. Far, far above us still 550 20 THE KINGDOM OF JINNEESTAHN. Is placed the Throne of Allah: stay not here, But follow where I lead." The angel gazed Amid the inereasing light, and upward soared. Sea after sea of light was left behind, Till Azraeel rose amid -the dazzling rays 565 That flash for ever round the Throne of God. No longer Ed-Dimiryaht could endure The glories round him: blinded by the light, He faltered helpless 'mid the trackless sea. And cried to Azraeel, "Save me or I fall! 560 The glories here are more than I can bear. My eyes are closed with light, my wings are weak, save me, Azraeel, or I helpless fall!" The angel Azraeel caught him as he fell, And led him up before the Throne of God. 565 The Archangels sat upon their thrones in front. And Azraeel took his seat, and in the midst Set Ed-Dimiryaht, and addressed him thus: "Jinnee, the eternal Throne at length is reached! The glories which o'erwhelmed thee thou canst bear 570 Now that thou standest here. I wondered much To see that thou couldst bear the light so long: For e'en among the angels, few have faith To face the splendour of the Throne of God. But thou in thine integrity' art strong, 575 And here thou standest. Raise thine eyes, and see The sights that none save Iblees and tiiyself. Of all thy race, though formed of smokeless flame. Shall see till every prophecy's fulfilled!" He heard the words of Azraeel, and he fixed 580 His eyes upon the quenchless, dazzling light, ED-DIMIRYAHT IN HEAVEN. 21 Which from the highest of created powers, Conceals unheard-of wonders. But a sound Came through the steady glory loud and clear, A mighty throbbing. "Hearest thou", exclaimed 585 The angel Azraeel, "hearest thou the Heart That sends the fluids which control the worlds, Throughout the universe? Electric power, And Odyle, most mysterious force of all. By which the living and the dead converse, 590 And Light and Heat and many a force beside. Are forms of that which lies behind them all, And guides eternally th§ wheels of fate, The subtle Fluid which controls the All, And which thou well mayst hear the Heart of God 595 Propel throughout all Nature. — View the thrones Where sit the Archangels." Ed-Dimiryaht looked, And saw where Azraeel sat. His. throne was black, A dull, dead blackness that reflected nought. Above his head there hung the Sword of Death, 600 A Sword whose shining blade was quenchless flame. Yet covered over with the drops of gall, That give the sword its sharpness. Near it hung The keys of every Heaven and every Hell. Awhile did Ed-Dimiryaht view his throne, 605 Then turned to that of Meekaeel. He beheld A might)- angel on a blood-red throne. The lofty sadness clouding A^raeel's brow; Sat not on his. A proud and kingly air, Denoting zeal arid firmness, took its place. 610 His e3'es were ever fixed upon the Throne, As waiting some command. Above his head 22 THE KINGDOM OF JINNEESTAHN. The Jewish talismans were hung, the Rod Of Moosa, '» and Suleymahn's 20 mighty Seal. Milder thon these sat Jebraeel on a throne 615 Whiter than snow. He held a pen of light, And on the Table of Eternity 2' He wrote the future history of the world. Above his head the inspired books were hung Which afterwards should be revealed to men. 620 The books of Moosa and Suleymahn's books, And over all, the books which tell the life Of Eesa. 22 But beside the o'ervalued books Of Moosa and his followers, hung the Vedas, And there the Zend-Avesta, the Kurahn, 5 The books which Homer, Milton, Shakspeare wrote, And every other writing which has power To lift the souls of men to things divine. Last of the four, but equal to the rest, Israhfeel sat upon a glassy throne. 630 His restless eyes explored the brilliant light, And ever sought to piei'ce its deepest depths. Above his head the mighty Trumpet hung. Which none but he shall sound. At length he felt The light had reached his soul, and up he sprang, 635 And poured a flood of matchless melody, Such as in Heaven he only has the power To breathe, for of the angels only he Has for his heartstrings a celestial lute. ^' "Away from all meaner splendours! 640 Though hright are the worlds above, Far brighter the Throne before us, The Throne of Eternal Love. ED-DIMIEYAHT IN HEAVEN. 23 I serve thee, O God, for ever, And thou unto me hast given 645 The trumpet vfbose thunder echoes To deepest of Hells from Heaven. O, bright is the Throne of Glory Round vfhich the Archangels kneel; But what when the veil is lifted, 650 And God shall Himself reveal? The trumpet shall shake all regions, Jahennem itself shall fall: "When God has reclaimed the wicked Then shall he be all in all! 655 The eyes of his faithfullest servants Can hardly endure the light That circles the Throne for ever To veil a more glorious sight. O thou, who hast pierced the splendour 660 That veileth His Throne adored! Approach to the light uufearing, And call on thy chosen Lord! O thou of the race of Iblees, Whose faith is as great as ours! 665 So great be thy faith for ever, — The wonder of all good powers ! Come lorward, O Ed-Dimiryaht, "Where few but thyself dare stand. And call on the God of Nature, 670 And trust in his mighty hand !" He ceased, and Ed-Dimirjaht forward came, And spoke: "Eternal Lord of Heaven and Earth, Grant me to lead my grandsire back to thee, Or if this may not be, at least I ask 675 For power to snatch the faithful from the hands Of those who hare rebelled, and thee blasphemed!" 2A THE KINGDOM OF JINNEESTAHN. The Jinnee bent his head before the Throne, And lo, in answer came a solemn Voice That thrilled through all his frame ; and on their knees 680 The Archangels fell in reverence: "True to God Thou art, and ever shalt be. Not for thee, Is it to call El Hahrith from his sins: But thou mayst warn his followers. "While 1 speak, The rebel calls the Kings of all the Jinn, 685 To choose a ruler. Some will side with him. But whomsoe'er 'tis granted thee to save, , At once shall greet thee King. To Heaven itself. Thou mayst not lead thy followers, till the time When the Third Trumpet sounds, though thou thyself 690 Mayst freely enter here, Thy kingdom found "Where mighty Kahf 2* encircles all the sea Which flows around the highest of the earths. Approach no more the accursed Seventh Earth, W^hen once thy faithful bands have left its bounds, 695 Except when I command thee. Take the Sword Of Azraeel. Draw the sword and wave it round, And all thy foes shall fall before its flash. Dazzled and senseless." Ed-Dimiryaht stepped To Azraeel, and from him received the Sword, 700 Aud cast himself again into the gulf That yawned beneath him, and with lightning speed, He rushed through every world, until he stood Within the Hall of Iblees, \yhere he mixed Unnoticed with the crowd of Chiefs who stood 705 In reverence round the son of Jarjarees. THE COUNCIL OF KINGS. 25 CANTO III. THE COUNCIL OF KINGS. El Hahrith from his throne at length arose, And all was silence, and his voice alone In that wide hall was heard, as thus he spoke: "Kings of the Jinn, the son of Jarjarees 710 Before you stands ; my elder brethren fell By Allah's minions murdered, in the fight In which my father died. Remember ye How mighty was the strength of Jarjarees, And how he must have overcome his foes, 715 If some who meanly dreaded Allah's wrath, And some who feared that Jarjarees would seize The kingdoms which they ne'er deserved to rule, Had not in fear or malice, kept aloof Far from the din of war? On them be shanie! 720 The power of Jarjarees was overlhrown, And since his death no king has ever dared To war with Allah, or proclaim himself The leader of the monarchs of the Jinn. Kings, hither called by me, I bid you choose 725 A Chieftain who shall fill my father's throne, And wage with Allah never-ceasing war. Whom therefore should you choose beside myself, The sole surviving son of Jarjarees? My father's magic armour I possess, ^s 730 And you shall swear to aid me with your arms, Till Allah and his servants perish all, Or abdicate in fear their Ihrones of light, And vainly seek to hide. from us in Hell. 26 THE KINGDOM OF JINNEESTAHN. Take then the oath. My troops are all around, 735 And no one shall refuse, for am not I The only hero who refused to stoop Before a thing of earth which Allah made? And think you with an army at my back, That such as 1 will brook the insolence, 740 Of any monarch here who dares rebel Against the son of mighty Jarjarees? Kings of the Jinn, ye take the oath or die !" The Kjngs who served his father crowded round And bent the knee before him, but the Kings 745 Who would not follow Jarjarees to war, And those who never knew that rebel Chief, Stood all irresolute; they did not dare To war with Allah, yet the troops around Stood waiting but the word to slay them all. 750 Thus long had Ed-Dimiryaht silent stood. But now he stepped among the wavering kings, And thus addressed them: "Princes, do not fear The threats of Iblees. I am sent from Heaven To save you from his vengeance, and I grasp 755 The sword of Azraeel." Then he forced his way Among the amazed and unresisting guards, Until he stood before the throne, where sat The rebel Iblees, when again he spoke: "El Hahrith, though your soul is black with sin, 760 Yet Allah's pardon waits you if you come, And yield to him in peace. Eeflect awhile. Almighty is the King whom once you served, And how shall you oppose him? Know you not, That had the righteous monarchs of the Jinn 765 THE COUNCIL OF KINGS. 27 Declared themselves allies of Jarjarees, Yet Allah's forces must have conquered all? You may indeed maintain your ground a-while, Though struggling blindly in the hand of God, For he may wisely let you rule awhile, 770 That greater good from evil may result. But fear you not the Trumpet? Fear you not The Sword of Azraeel?" Iblees heard, and sat A moment silent, while a smile of scorn Flashed like the lurid lightning o'er his face: 775 "I reck not what befalls", at length he cried, "For Allah is my mortal enemy. But lo, before you, monarchs of the Jinn, You see a greater God than Allah's self, In me. Ed-Dimiryaht, dare you come 780 To counsel me to stoop before a King Whom I despise? But you shall see my power, For I have here a prisoner who has lain In chains to wait my wrath. Prepare yourselves, ye rebellious Kings, to yield or die. 785 Go, bring Marjahneh hither!" Thus he spoke. And Ed-Dimirj'aht deigned not to reply: But round him thronged the Kings who would not stoop To Iblees, and with no divided voice. Proclaimed him King of the Believing Jinn. 790 The troops of Iblees every sword unsheathed. Expecting his command to hew them down. When harsh the clanking of a chain was heard, And calm and self-collected even then, Marjahneh stood before them. On her brow 795 28 THE KINGDOM OF JINNEESTAHN. Thej' saw a streak of fire, where jagged rocks Had touched her, and her hair disordered hung Around her, and her plumes were crushed and bruised By the great weight of stone. Then Dahsim rose, And turning to his daughter he exclaimed: 800 "Jinneej'ch, will you yield to Iblees now? If Allah could protect his wretched slaves, You perhaps might hope assistance at his hands: Lo, every monarch af the Jinn has sworn To yield to Iblees, and shall you refuse? 805 Has insufficient punishment been yours, Or will you still provoke us till we rise, And slay you as an enemy of all Who bow before the son of Jarjarees?" "Think not", she answered, "that I am alone. 810 Though all the monarchs of the Jinn rebel Against the might of Allah, he is here To strengthen me to meet whate'er befalls." She looked around her and perceived the Kings Who stood by Ed-Dimiryaht. "Kings, behold 815 How Iblees, tyrant as he is, can treat Those who defy his power! trust not him! Dahsim, behold the Kings who will not yield To Iblees! See, I do not stand alone. For these are not his slaves, and in the midst 820 Stands Ed-Dimiryaht, who has never stooped To any King but Allah!" While she spoke, A wrathful murmur rose among the Kings, And every sword was drawn and tightly grasped Although they wished not to commence the fight, 825 Till Iblees forced it ou them in his ire. THE COUNCIL OF KINGS. 29 Then Iblees spoke. "Bring here the magic arms Of Jarjarees, and soon the Kings shall own His son's resistless might. I'll slay them all, And wrest the Sword of Azraeel from the grasp 830 Of Ed-Dimiiyaht, who alone has dared To rouse the rebels to resist their King." In haste he donned the arms, and raised his spear When Ed-Dimirj-aht bade the Kings retire, And leave him singlehanded to oppose 835 His fearful foe. The way was scarcely clear, When Iblees rushed against him. Up he raised The Sword of Azraeel sheathed, and with the sheath He smote his enemy. The clashing arms Fell before Ed-Dirairyaht. Iblees fled 840 In terror and confusion to his throne : When Ed-Dimiryaht tcok the enchanted arms, And in the sight of Iblees girt them on. While Iblees sat confounded, Dahsim felt An anger by reflection uncontrolled, 845 And with the anger of a baffled Chief Who wreaks his bootless rage on all around. He turned upon Marjahneh in his wrath. And cried in furious accents, "Will you yield To Iblees now? Reflect upon your doom. 850 The upper worlds are beautiful aud bright. But this an awful chaos. You shall pine For ever in our dungeons hopelessly. For if you will not yield to Iblees now, I'll break your wings, and chain you in a cave." 855 Bright was the light that flashed -amid the hall. For all the foes of Iblees clothed their forms In wreaths of flame, prepared for utmost strife. 30 THE KINGDOM OF JINNEESTAHN. Speechless with anger Ed-Dimiryaht stood A moment, then he drew a flaming sword 8G0 Steeped in the burning drops of gall which cause Death, paleness, putrefaction. On he sprang, And lifting up his blade in act to strike, He held the fearful sword o'er Dahsim's head, And cried, "0 Dahsim, speak another word. 865 And over you I shed the dews of death, And the Siraht would sink beneath jour weight." Dahsim recoiled in terror, while the chains Marjahneh wore, fell clanking to the ground, And she was freed, and Ed-Dimir)-aht turned, 870 And led her to the Kings. mournfully Her answer to her father smote the ear! "0 woe to me, for fatherless am I! The tyranny of those who league themselves Against the might of Allah, never yet 875 Devised a greater punishment than this. To me, your daughter, you employed the threat, And I renounce you till the day when God Shall lead you from your sins. Alas, alas. Before the fall of Iblees, who would think 880 That I could thus address you! Though 1 live Until the Trumpet's Second Blast resounds, I never can forget that you were once My father, but unworthy as you are, I call you so no longer. All is changed. 885 O Dahsim, I would gladly die for you. And would not grudge life, liberty, or wings. If you from your apostacy would turn. We once were friends in Heaven, but never more We meet in love again. Alas for me, 890 THE GIFTS OF AZBAEEL. 31 For truly worse than fatherless am I!" Her voice was lost in sobs; when Iblees rose, And called his sons around iiim and prepared To rush against his enemies. They charged, When Ed-Dimirj'aht raised the Archangel's sword 895 And waved it round his head. His foes fell back, Senseless as though a shooting star had struck Their frames of fire.^s He called the faithful Kings: "Quit, quit for ever this accursed world! The highest Earth is like a lower Heaven; 900 And we will found a mighty empire there And call it inneestahn. 2' Abandon now Their palace to the wicked." Then he sprang Swift from the hall, attended by his troops. Nor did they set their feet upon the ground, 905 Till they alighted on the highest Earth. CANTO IV. THE GIFTS OF AZRAEEL. Let no vain mortal seek the mountain Kahf, The mountain which surrounds the highest Earth! The fleetest horseman scarce could cross the world From Kahf to Kahf, although five hundred years 910 He spent upon the journey. He would pass All habitable regions, and beyond Would trackless deserts, full of monstrous beasts, Impede his progress, and although he passed 32 THE KINGDOM OF JINNEESTAHN. Unhurt, the thousand perils of the way, 915 And though he lived to reach the Outer Sea, The Circumambient Ocean, where it flows Between the earth and Kahf, yet still the sea. Would bar him from his goal. Tremendous storms, And fishes that could gulp a mountain down, 28 920 Protect the Emerald Mountain where it rears Its mighty peaks, two thousand miles in height, Above the stormy sea. So has it stood Since first the earth was peopled with the Jinn, And so the mountain evermore shall stand, 925 Nor shall it crumble when Israhfeel sounds The Blast of Consternation. Brightly shone The sun upon the emerald heights of Kahf, And Ed-Dimiryaht and his friends resolved To form their dwelling near it. Soon they found 930 A lovely Alpine valley. Lofty hills Closed it on every side except the West, Where the great Ocean rolled its stormy waves. Then Ed-Dimiryaht thus addressed the Kings: "Here, chieftains, will we dwell. The highest Earth 935 Presents no spot so fit for our abode. The Diving Jinn beneath this sea may plunge. And we will rear our cities ou the land. Assemble all j'our subjects, nor delay, But build a glorious home, twixt earth and air. , 940 First, to protect the kingdom from the sea. Form ye a Coral Reef, whereon the waves May break in powerless wrath." The Kings obeyed, And sought their separate kingdoms, whence they called THE GIFTS OE^ AZRAEEL. 33 Their subjects, and commanded them to join 945 The King of the Believing Jinn, and act Obedient to his orders. All the Kings Departed on their errand, and alone Were Ed-Dimiryaht and Marjahneh left. Marjahneh weeping sat upon a rock, 950 Heartbroken at the loss of all her friends, And in the weakness of despairing grief At times regretted, half unconsciously, (Now that the fury of the strife was o'er. Wearied with grief, she rather felt than thought) 955 She had not deigned to yield, and tamely crouch Before the rebel Iblees. "Woe to me. For I shall ne'er behold my father more". She cried, "my mother and my brethren too, Have yielded to their King, but who am I, 960 Who rashly dared oppose him?" As she spoke, A murmur sweeter than Israhfeel's voice, Thrilled through her heart, — the voice of God himself! "0 weep for those who yielded to the Fiend; But now the strife is o'er, the victory won, 965 Regret not thou the firmness of thy soul ! The Seemurgh^o sits to all eternity. For ever lonely on the heights of Kahf, And views with eyes that never move or sleep. The countless changes of the universe. 970 But dost thou think the bird regrets her fate, And views with envy happier, meaner birds; Or dost thou think the sleepless guardian sits Contented with the awful charge that God Assigned her? Marjahneh, not for thee, 975 34 THE KINGDOM OF JINNEESTAHN. Has God decreed the Seemurgh's awful lot, But happier cares, though meaner, shall be thine: Trust thou in God, and all shall /yet be well !" She heard, and she was calmed, and inly prayed; "0 God, restore me to my friends again, 980 And let me dwell where'er their lot is cast: But, O my Father, not for Heaven itself Would I renounce thy holy voice within. Which tells me thou hast smiled upon thy child!" Then Ed-Dimiryaht spoke. "We may not weep 985 Oui' former friends. We must not fear for them. Though the Siraht should sink beneath their feet. They are not lost for ever. God is good. And 'tis the foulest slander on his name. To think, as Iblees shall persuade mankind, 990 That he, the Just, the Merciful, will hurl To torments that shall never have an end, The fools who dare oppose him! You alone Of Iblees' race accursed, dared to stand Beside the King of the Believing Jinn. 995 Of all our race, we only own the might Of Allah. You alone remained my friend. Throughout our fearful struggle. Do not weep. For we may suffer, though we must not sin. If we to God are faithful. my God, 1000 I thank thee, thou hast given the strength to two Of Iblees' house accursed, to resist His evil counsels! Not for twenty worlds. Would I be now as Iblees! Praised be God, That two survive the fall of Iblees' house ! 1005 Marjahneh, I have loved you since the time When we were children in the groves of Heaven, THE GIFTS OF AZRA.EEL. 35 And chased our playmates through the densest shades, Or danced upon the boughs -which could not break, But swayed beneath us as instinct with Hfe; 1010 And Heaven grew brighter hour by hour to see The joy of those amid its glory born. Lonely art thou, Marjahneh-; lonelj' I; But share with me the Throne of Jinneestalm, And I will love you next to God himself," 1015 She took his hand and answered, "Be it so! Beside you none could fitly claim my love. You snatched me from my foes, and evermore I pledge myself to you. May God approve!" They knelt upon the gleaming rocks of Kahf, 1020 And sanctified the compact by a prayer. "0 Father, thou hast saved us from our foes: sanctify our union; give us back Our enemies as friends, and bless the Kings Who yielded not to Iblees, but to earth 1025 Have come with us, obedient to thy will. Have mercy on, and bless us, our God!" Their short and humble prayer was quickly o'er, And when they rose, they far away perceived A solemn rushing sound. "We hear the wings 1030 Of Azraeel," Ed-Dimiryaht then exclaimed. "He doubtless comes for this tremendous Sword, And though the wicked dread him as a foe. Yet has he been a friend indeed to us." Marjahneh fixed her eyes upon the ground, 1035 But Ed-Dimiryaht met the Archangel's glance Unshrinking. Azraeel soon before them stood, And in his usual solemn tones he spoke. "With prudent wisdom have you used the Sword, 3* 36 THE KINGDOM OF JINNEESTAHN. But now restore it to the hands that lent. 1040 The magic arms of Jarjarees are yours, And nought can foil the spells of Jarjarees, Except the eternal Name of God himself, Which Iblees neither can nor dare employ Against you, though in ages yet to come, 1045 A son of Adam o'er the earth shall rule. To -whom a Seal is granted, with the Name Of God engraved upon it. All your race Must serve this King, for none shall e'er oppose His awful power, and live. The Seal he wears 1050 A crafty Efreet shall contrive to steal. And lead the armies of rebellious Jinn Against you, but resist them to the last, And I will save you ere your empire falls. Iblees will ne'er assail you after that, 1055 But he will strive to conquer Jinneestahn Unceasingly before this last repulse. And you must be for ever on your guard. Well have you both opposed his ill designs!" Before him Ed-Dimiryaht humbly bowed, 1060 And in his hand he placed the Sword of Death. Then Azraeel spoke again: "On all thy land, On thee and all thy subjects be the grace And favour of the only God you serve! God's blessing be on thee above the rest, 1065 Ed-Dimiryaht; and on thee beside, Marjahneh, lovely Queen of Jinneestahn! In token of God's favour, see the power The Sword of Death conceals!" He spoke, and shook The Sword around him, and the barren rocks 1070 THE GIFTS OF AZRAEEL. 37 Were covered with the brightest flowers of Heaven. Then Azraeel dipped his sword-blade in the sea: "Behold the City of the Diving Jinn !" He spoke, and lo, the waves recede for miles, And in the distance instantly arose 1075 A Coral Reef, and nearer to the shore. Appeared the City of the Diving Jinn, Of amber wholly formed, and Amberabahd 3° Thus most deservedly named. The waters rolled Back o'er the lovely city, but they lay 1080 Calm as a lake, and scarce a ripple broke The shining ocean. Those eternal storms Which o'er the Outer Ocean ever sweep, Upon the Coral Reef expend their force. Then Azraeel smote his sword upon the earth, 1085 And while ten thousund, thousand lightnings flash, Arose in all its splendour on their sight, Joharahbahd, the pride of Jinneestahn, A city wholly built of precious gems. "Lo, such the glories God assigns lo you", 1090 Said Azraeel, "but his bounty does not end With even gifts like these. Behold again!" Above the city countless rainbows arched, 3' Surpassing in intensity of light, Full many a glory in the Heavens themselves, 1095 And round the city twined unnumbered fires, Of every brilliant colour. Next arose '' A red, a green, a white, a yellow sun, A fifth was blue, while many a moon arose, Each larger than the moon that shines on earth, 1100 And six huge arches formed of mingled moons. Huge trees, so vast that e'en the smallest spray 38 THE KINGDOM OF JINNEESTAHN. Would seem an Adansonia, grew around, O'erliung with loveliest flowers of every hue. The twining flames that round the citj' coiled, 1105 Seemed now like tropic creepers, now they seemed Like monstrous serpents. Changing thus, behold White lights, and blue, and red, and purple shone. Veering and shifting, while beneath the light Of these enchanted splendours which surpass 1110 All else in brilliancy, the city shines Yet brighter every moment, and the stones. Sparkle and glitter ceaselessly. There reigns Eternal summer, heavy clouds are none, The wind blows not, nor falls the rain or dew, 1115 Unwatered and unsown, the country yields A harvest of the brightest flowers and fruits; And neither beast nor bird nor insect dares To harm the fairy realms of Jinneestahn , Though to its splendours not to be conceived, 1120 They add their thousand beauties. But to see The glory of the country as it is. Above the highest rainbows fly the Jinn, And gaze upon the splendours far below. This is the grandest sight in Jinneestahn! 1125 Like three huge pairs of wings expanded wide, Behold the Jewel Cit5''s triple walls, Of diamond, to protect it when besieged. Yet even these must fall before the Seal, Nor shall the city ever need them more. 1130 On splendours hardly known in Heaven itself, Did Ed-Dimiryaht and Marjahneh gaze Bewildered for a time, and when they turned, They found themselves alone. His work was done, THE GIFTS OF AZRABEL. 39 And Azraeel had not stayed to hear their thanks. 1135 They rose amid the splendours to survey The unequalled glories of Joharahbahd, Their gorgeous dwelling. Soon the Kings returned, And led their subjects with them, and they gazed Amazed upon the flaming hghts around. 1140 "All you behold," King Ed-DImiryaht cried, "Is the free gift of God. Let none regret The gloomy realms of Iblees. In the West, You see the Coral Reef. Let guards be placed To watch the boundary line of Jinneestahn, 1145 Aud warn us when our vengeful enemies Approach. To you, King Sahleh, 32 I assign The ocean as your kingdom. You alone Of all the Diving Kings have joined mj bands. And justly are you ruler of the sea. 1150 A city is already reared for you, And though it does not shine as bright as mine, Yet is it lovely. It is as, the moon: Joharahbahd resembles more the sun." King Sahleh, when he heard the monarch's words, 1155 Plunged with his followers in the placid sea. The Divers love their beauteous city well. Nor are they envious of a brighter sphere. A beauty, softer than Joharahbahd's, Prevails in Amberabahd eternally. 1160 Long ages passed in happiness and peace, Ere Iblees, who had fixed his earthly throne In Western Kahf, ^a could find his enemies. Yet ever they opposed him when he strove To wreak his wrath on man. The Evil Jinn 1165 Had lost their innocence and endless youth. 40 THE KINGDOM OF JINNEESTAHN. Their souls that knew no peace, unceasingly Weakened their powers. Their evil cunning grew, And still increased; all other powers of mind Were more or less destroyed; and evermore, 1170 Their plagues and outward signs of woe increased. Thus could they not perceive their enemies, Who strove to bring to nought their evil schemes: But when they once discovered Jinneestahn, They long maintained a constant border- war, 1175 Attempting vainly to subdue their foes, Or pass the Coral Reef that barred the way. END OF TBE FIRST BOOK, MEYMOONEH. 41 BOOK THE SECOND. MEYMOONEH. ARGUMENT. I. Birth and education of Ed-Dimiryaht's daughter, Meymooneh. Ed-Dimiryaht sends her to the earth to oppose the troops of Iblees. Her flight across the Circumambient Ocean. Her journey to Siberia. The Teutons. Meymooneh's contest with an Efreet. Her conver- sation with Thora. II. Meymooneh pursues the Efreet to the Throne of Iblees in Western Kahf. Repentance of Zelemboor. Meymooneh sends a detachment of Ed-Dimiryaht's troops to guard Siberia. She leads Zelemboor to Ed-Dimiryaht's palace, and then lies down to rest among the splendours over the City of Jewels, Jebraeel appears to her. Ed-Dimiryaht departs to Jerusalem. CANTO I. JINNEESTAHN AND SIBERIA. There was rejoicing at Joharahbahd, And Ed-Dimiryaht and Marjahneh less Lamented their unworthy friends, who dared Resist their God; for God to them has sent 42 MEYMOONEH. A daughter; and the Queen Marjahneh said, 5 "Call her Meymooneh, ■" call her Fortunate!" They taught Meymooneh all their powerful spells, And how to fight with fire, and how to move Revealed to other beings; and how concealed From human eyes and evil Jinn remain. 10 But when she asked to view the World of Men, King Ed-Dimiryaht answered, "Risk it not Till I permit you; for our deadhest foes Are ever working evil in the world, And therefore Earth is not as Jinneestahn. 15 A huge blue vault o'erspreads the World of Men, A sun, a moon, and stars alone adorn The day and night, and often heavy clouds Veil these from men. Their eyes could never bear The darkest night that reigns in Jinneestahn. 20 Before, Meymooneh, we can think you fit To stand among us other than a chQd, Alone amid our deadliest enemies I'll send you forth to range the human world. And thwart their schemes for causing sin and -vtoe!" 25 Thus Ed-Dimiryaht answered her whene'er The Princess asked to journey to the earth. Then would she seek the Coral Reef, and gaze Upon the stormy sea beyond, with dread And wonder, or would watch the guards who paced 30 Along the reef, or soared into the air To scan the distance for a hostile wing. Then would Meymooneh plunge amid the waves Within the reef, and seek the ocean bed To view the city Amberabahd; then rise, 35 And hover in the splendours that o'erhang JINNEESTAHN AND SIBERIA. 43 Joharahbahd, and let the mingled rays, (Rivers of glory 'twixt the earth and heaven, Flowing in oceans, not in rays, of light, From heaven to earth, and back from earth to heaven, 40 Commingling in ten thousand various hues); Play o'er her sparkling feathers; and behold The cbl cured suns, as one by one they sank Behind the peaks of Kahf ; and see the moons And shining belts display their silver light. 45 0, beautiful is night in Jinneestahn! For high above its cities shine the moons, And the huge moon-like belts, the rainbows shine With softened, lustre, and the countless gems Glitter and flash with hues that never day 60 Elicits from them, while the ghostly gleam Of the expanded diamond domes has power To throw an awe on those who know the sign,' Aud realise a future dreadful war, In which Joharahbahd shall be besieged, 55 And not the strongest talisman shall save The wearer, who shall mingle in the fight With those who bear with them Suleymahn's Seal! At length she learned the wisdom of her race, When Ed-Dimiryaht thought that it was right 60 To let the Princess see the World of Men. He sent for Queen Marjahneh, and began: "Mej-mooneh must not always here remain, But westwards she must bend her flight alone, And strive against the suffering and the sin 65 That weighs the sons of Adam to the ground." "Alone!" Marjahneh answered, "dare you trust Your daughter 'mid the hosts of fiends that range 44 MEYMOONEH. The worJd, alone? 0, do not risk so much! Why should she ever leave our land of light, 70 Or wherefore should she leave -without a guard?" He heard, and he replied in firmer tones, Though tinged with sadness, that convinced the Queen She could not hope to bend him from his word. And that he acted as he thought was right, 75 Yet sore against his will, "0, tempt me not! Remember, 'tis the law of Jinneestahn, That all our children thus must range the world. Ere the}' can be our equals. Ask. me not, Although the King, to violate the law, 80 And introduce dissension, thus to plaj^ Into the hands of Iblees! Though I feared More for the safetj' of my child than you. Yet would I send her forth into the world! She has learned all that she can learn from us, 85 But not experience, which, like Adam's race, We gain not save by danger or by sin! I fear not for Meymooneh: she is clothed In spotless innocence, and thus might dare To trust herself alone among the hosts 90 Of Iblees, in the gloomy West of Kahf. j^; But there I will not send her. She may go And range about the world, and if she seeks The realms of Iblees of her own accord, Confiding in her own inherent power 95 Of virtue, she will thence escape unharmed: But if I sent her thither, I should feel As if I wantonly were tempting God!" Marjahneh did not answer him at once: She turned away awhile, and hid her face, 100 JINNEESTAHN AND SIBERIA. 45 And shuddered, then she raised again her head, And resolutely faced him, and drew up Her figure prou(Jly to its utmost height. "What! should the Queen of Jinneestahn oppose The customs of the country! Think it not! 105 I yield ! Meymooneh shall depart alone. Amid the thousand perils of the earth, If she herself should wish it." Then she took A packet of her daughter's hair, ^s and cast A portion in a fire, and as it hurned, 110 Slow gliding through the roof of solid stone ^6 That could not bar the way, Meymooneh came, And noiselessly, with open wings, she slid Down to the palace floor. "You called me here, And I obey the summons," she exclaimed: 115 "Wherever you may send me, will I go. Though you should bid me venture to the Throne Of Iblees on the accursed Seventh Earth." "Nay," Ed-Dimiryaht answered, "risk not this: But you must seek the earth, and strive alone 120 Against the might of Iblees. Do not fear. And God will guard you, though you fight in vain, As it may seem to you, with countless foes. And all your friends are far beyond your reach." "Yes", cried Meymooneh, "I have long desired 125 To view the World of Men. I only ask One favour ft'om you. If I should return With honour from this present enterprise, Then grant that when Joharahbahd's besieged, I may not stand inactive, but may fight 130 46 MEYMOONEH. Among the foremost who defend the town." "Go on your mission now," replied the Queen; "Too proud are the Jinneeyehs to refrain From fighting with the overwhelming hosts, When strongest walls shall yield before a Seal 135 That holds the Jinn in service. Go your way, And may that God we worship guide your path !" Meymooneh staj'ed no longer; her desire Was given her now, and joyfully she flew Westwards, until she lighted on the reef 140 That holds the stormy Outer Sea at bay. Awhile she stood, and gazed on Jinneestahn; Then to the sea she turned, and up she sprang, And plunged amid the darkness and the storm. Loud was the thunder of the waves that dashed 145 Their waters on the reef, and black as ink. The rolling billows seemed, o'ertopped with weeds, And heaped from base to crest with muddy foam. Fierce hurricanes rushed forth on every side; The wind each moment changed to urge them on; 150 From every quarter came the heaviest rain. Thick as a mighty cataract that falls In torrents from a mountain's rugged sides. The tossing billows met the driving clouds W'hich almost rested on the sea, yet rose 155 Thick as the smoke of Hell, aloft in air. Too high for sight. Meymooneh could not rise Above the clouds, for she could scarcely fly Above the water, or avoid the waves. So heavy with the water were her wings. 160 And even if she shook or burned them dry, The water rushed upon her instantly, JINNEESTAHN AND SIBERIA. 47 And made her flight yet Jieavier than before. Still on she struggled, though she could not see The shore she strove to reach, the sky above, 165 Nor yet the land she left; she only saw The waves that foamed so fearfully below. At length she sank amid the waves, but rose. And shook the water off as best she might, And fought unconquered with the wind and rain. 170 Meymooneh could not see the distant land, But, 'mid the roaring of the storm, she heard, The waves that broke upon an earthly shore. At length she felt the hurricane had ceased. And she had reached the deserts that surround 175 The World of Men on every side. She fell Senseless, with wings expanded, on the sand, Exhausted by her struggle with the storm. The Outer Ocean is a fearful flight To those who first attempt to cross its waves; 180 But when they once have passed it, it presents No further terrors to them, for they learn To fly above the storms. Meymooneh lay Conscious of nought but weariness and strife. Too weary either to repose or sleep 185 Until the sun revived her. She arose, And looked with wonder on the scene around. She stood amid a desert, where there grew No tree or shrub, as far as eye could reach 'Twas one vast plana of dmgy sand. She heard 190 The distant roaring of the Outer Sea, Behind her. "Strange and wonderful is this!" 48 MEYMOONEH, She cried, "alone I wander in the world, Amid the perils of the Outer Sea, And through the pathless deserts. Am not I, 195 The Princess of the Jinn? Yet here I stand All unattended, and I cannot guess What future dangers wait me on my flight. King Ed-Dimiryaht's daughter shall not shrink From peril or from suffering! I behold 200 The huge blue vault of which my father spoke, And one pale sun. how unlike is this To all the splendours of Joharahbahd! But here I cannot stay, for I must fly Far westward, till I reach the homes of men." 205 She spoke and sprang again into the air. And left the Outer Ocean far behind. The shifting sands she passed, the earth grew green, And all around her lay the World of Men, Adorned with woods and mountains aud with streams, 210 And oceans, and with meadows. On she flew Above the varied country, till she saw Amid the frozen deserts of the North, The parents of the mighty Teuton race, Who wandered northwards from a milder clime 215 And strengthened there their offspring to become The universal monarchs of the seas. And overthrow all tyrannies, and light The torch of freedom for the modern world. There dwelt the early Teutons, on the coast, 220 Rugged and blocked with icebergs as it is, That forms the Asian boundary oia the North. There, where primeval forests grew and died. Through which the mammoth and the mastodon JINNEBSTAHN AND SIBERIA. 49 Went crashing their un^jyieldy limbs, in vain 225 Seeking escape from hunters, whom they taught Never to quail before an earthly foe, And ne'er to yield, not e'en when overcome. 3' Meymooneh watched the hunters, and she knew The future leaders of the world were there; 230 Then to their villages she turned, and saw A crowd who stood around an aged Chief, Whose giant limbs proclaimed enormous strength. Though he was old and feeble, and could hope No more to wield the weapons of his youth. 235 He sat, relating to his younger friends, The dangers he had braved. Meymooneh mixed Unseen among the hearers, and perceived, At every word the aged Chieftain spoke, How eagerly the crowd around him heard. 240 The youths were waving spears and arrows high, Or proudly felt their points. The girls stood near. And trembled at the dangers he had braved, And yet escaped unhurt. But now, behold. An evil Jinnee mingles with the throng, 245 And whispers venomed counsels in their ears. "Why", cried the Chieftain, "should our heroes toil To win a hard subsistence from the hunt. When prosperous nations further to the south. Are ripe for plunder? Thither let us march, 250 And wrest the country from the hands of those Who could not by their valour hold their own. What save the toil and danger can we gain B)' mammoth-hunts? March therefore on the South, And plunder all you meet." With cries of joy, 255 4 50 MEYMOONEH. The fiercer youths received the old man's words: But one fair girl came forward, and she fell Before the Chief, scarce knowing what she said, Although Meymooneh's power had given her words. "Nay, know you not that luxury unnerves 260 The nations of the South, that you would fain Meet in unequal contest? True it is, The stalwart warriors of the North would crush The puny South to dust beneath their feet; But are they not unworthy of our arms, > 265 And would not every snare that weakens them, Destroy our power? More worthy enemies Than the degenerate children of the South, Eoam wild among the forests." Those who heard. Gathered in groups, disputing. But the Chief 270 Motioned for silence, and commenced again: , ''Well spoken, Tliora!'^ Yes, the Southern tribes Are all unworthy of a Northman's arms; So leave them to theii" luxury and sloth. Till they at length give place to better men. 275 'Twere cowardice to fall upon them now. And cowardice and cruelty exist In Northern bosoms never; they remain Among the curses of the Southern tribes. Depart ye therefore, but direct your arms 280 Against thg mammoth, not against the South." The Efreet mingled with the listening throng, And while he tried to rouse them to the war, Meymooneh, visible to him alone, Addressed him : "Wherefore should you rouse a war 285 That cannot but destroy the innocent. JINNEESTAHN AND SIBERIA. 51 And surely cannot lead to good, as yet?" He answered fierce^, "Wherefore have you come To interfere with those to whom is given The race of man by Allah? Are not we 290 The weapons of His vengeance on mankind?" He spoke, and turned away. Meymooneh strove Against him in the souls of those who spoke In favour of the hunt and not the war. At length she conquered, and the Efreet fled 295 Baffled before her. Then the crowd dispersed, And Thora stayed alone. Meymooneh took A human form. "Whence, maiden, had you power", She asked, "to m.ove the Chieftain to reflect Again upon the war? The Southern tribes 300 Have not the truth or justice, or the strength. That ever mark the children of the North, Although they far surpass them in their arts. A time shall come when Northern arms shall crush The South before them, and shall learn their arts 305 From those that they have conquered, yet retain The prowess of the North; — but not for years." The girl replied, "You saw the aged Chief? My father and my mother both are dead : His daughter was my mother, and he clings 310 To me as to his last support in life. But whence are you? for all the country near. And all its tribes I know, but ne'er have seen Your face before, and trackless forests stretch For miles and miles along this frozen coast." 315 Meymooneh heard, and with a smile replied, "My country, Jinneestahn, is far away. Its princess am I, but I roam alone 52 METMOONEH. About this gloomy earth, where dwell the sons Of Adaiih Far I journeyed from the East, 320 And when I saw the concourse round the Chief, I stopped to learn the cause." 'Tis stranger still," Said Thora^ speaklug partly to herself, "Of all the nations of the earth, I know Not one that calls its country Jinneestahn 325 Stranger, no Northern princess can you be: If Southern, wherefore thus despise the South: And who can track the forests East and West!" Then speaking louder, she exclaimed, "You come Far from the East, you say. Is Jinneestahn 330 A brighter land than this? Our frozen coast I hear, is far more gloomy than the South. How gladly would I seek those Southern climes Where frost and snow exist not! Yet I fear Our Northern race would never deign to dwell 335 Among a Southern nation, and permit That nation to retain their land in peace." Meymooneh answered, "See you not the Sun That high above us stands? Your Northern Land Rejoices in its summer now. Look up, 340 And fix your eyes unshrinking on the Sun! Endure its light you cannot! We have five That circle over us in Jinneestahn, And other splendours more than I could name. I'd gladly, when I fly to Jinneestahn, 39 345 Amid its splendours take you, but I know No human strength of eye could bear the light. You cannot even face your Northern Sun, And how should you unblinded gaze around MEYMOONEH AND ZELEMBOOR. 53 Amid the thousand lights of Jinneestahn ?" 360 "Are you not then a woman?" Thora cried, Trembling with fear. "I pray you harm me not; How can I face you fearlessly?" She spoke, — And straight the Princess her disguise threw off. "Behold me in my glory", she exclaimed. 365 "Lo, I am a Jinneeyeh, as you see, And daughter of the King of Jinneestahn." Then Thora fell upon her knees dismayed: She saw the Princess through a mist of flame, *o In her unearthly beauty, with a wreath 360 Of heavenly flowers twined round her radiant head. And her great wings expanded, dazzling white, So brilliant that against them snow would change Blacker than coal from envy, as we see A lime-ball black upon the Sun's bright disk!*' 365 The bright Jinneeyeh stooped above the girl. And spoke: "O Thora, thou who makest peace. The peace of Heaven be on thee!" Thora looked, And lo, Meymooneh vanished as she came, And Thora to her home returned in awe. 370 CANTO II. MEYMOONEH AND ZELEMBOOR. Meymooneh left Siberia far behind, And hastened westwards, strivmg to o'ertake 64 MEYMOONEH. The Efreet she had conquered, for she feared, Lest he should rouse, before she tracked his flight. His master's troops against the Teuton race, 375 And lead them southward ere the appointed time. She heeded not the countries which she passed. Her eyes fixed ever on the distant sky. At length she saw her foe, but well she knew He could not see her, when she willed it not. 380 He never halted, or delayed his flight, But closely by Meymooneh still pursued, Swept o'er the western countries of the earth. And o'er the pathless deserts. Still he flew With unabated swiftness. Then he rose 385 Above the tempests of the Outer Sea, Which howl with tenfold fury on the coasts W here Iblees rears his throne upon the earth. Well may the ocean bounding Western Kahf Be called the Sea of Darkness, for it bounds 390 The regions where the Throne of Iblees stands, "When Iblees rises from the Seventh Earth! At length the Efreet reached the Throne, and cried, "I cannot rouse the North against the South! If we can do so, ere the empires shake, 395 Which, in the latter ages of the earth. Shall be established in the world of men, Then will the Teuton armies give themselves To luxury and vice, and thus for years Retard the plans of Allah." "Is it so?" 400 El Aawar asked him, "have you been opposed? On such a work as this must armies fly; Myself shall head them, and with wine will drug MEYMOONEH AND ZELEMBOOR. 55 The Chieftains of that mighty Teuton race, Which even now we view with shuddering fear." 405 Then spoke Zelemboorj rising from his seat, "Teer, Soht and Dahsim, on the Seventh Earth, Are resting from their labours, wearied out By striving with the foes we most detest. They wait our orders; let us call them here, 410 And ere we act, confer with all our Chiefs." "So let it be, Zelemboor!" Iblees cried, "And since to draw the Teutons into war Would much advance our interests, I myself Will call your brethren." Then he cleft the earth, 415 And down the gulf with lightning speed he plunged. Meymooneh watched Zelemboor, and perceived He had not fallen so deeply as the fiends Who stood around him; and his brother's face, Had lost its heavenly beauty more than his; 420 And though a Chieftain of the Evil Jinn, Some likeness to his son he still retained. Meymooneh knew that he alone could see. And he alone could hear her. She advanced. And gently on his shoulder laid her hand. 425 "Zelemboor, son of Iblees, fear you not The power of Allah, or does coward shame Alone attach you to your father's cause? Do you regret you feared to join your son. Whom, save Marjahneh, none of Iblees' race 430 Have dared to join?" Zelemboor turned amazed. And saw the Princess standing by his side. Defiance was the feeling that arose 56 MEYMOONEH. First in his heart, and fiercely he replied: "Jinneeyeh, dare you Iblees' sons revile? 435 What matters it to you that I have joined The army of the son of Jarjarees? Who dares dispute the might of Jarjarees? Was he not Allah's equal? Yet, alas, My son defies the son of Jarjarees, 440 And rules a nation of rebellious Jinn, Who will not stoop to Iblees." Better thoughts Rose in him at the mention of his son. "Woe to the race of Iblees! Woe to me! Would I had joined my son! Our sinful deeds 445 I al-ways hated! Would my son receive His father, if he came repentantly, To side with Allah? Who beside me stands? Who of the daughters of Believing Jinn , Has ventured here ? O strange and wild the thought, 450 Yet even you yourself are like my son, Although my countless sins obscure my sight, And I behold you only as a mist, And greater sinners see not even this.'" Then, turning to El Aawar, he exclaimed, 455 "Inform my father, when the council meets, That some of my adherents on the earth Require my instant presence." He arose, And left the council, and Meymooneh flew Beside him o'er the gloomy Outer Sea: 460 And he continued, "You are yet a girl. And of the daughters of Believing Jinn, But few would venture to our gloomy realms. MEYMOONEH AND ZELEMBOOR. 57 I see you not save dimly through a mist, But let me see you with the veil removed." 465 She cast away the mist that veiled her form, And in his wonderment he almost fell. "You must", he cried, "indeed, indeed you must, Be Ed-Dimiryaht's daughter! Lives he still, And is the gorgeous world of Jinneestahn, 470 Bright as it seems, when we at times behold Its flashing splendours from the Outer Sea?" "It is", the Princess answered, "as you say: For Ed-Dimirj'aht and Marjahneh live; I am indeed their daughter, and I came 475 To view the realms of Iblees for myself, Confiding in the invisibility That hides us from the Unbelieving Jinn." As thus she spoke, a troop of Jinn approached, Whom Ed-Dimiryaht stationed there to watch 480 The Sea of Darkness, and the leader bowed Before Meymooneh. "Princess, not for nought Across this gloomy sea you dared to fly. Whatever you command us, we obey As if the King commanded." She replied, 485 "Against the troops of Iblees guard the North, Nor let them stir the Teutons up to war" Then said Zelemboor, "Let us join the Jinn, And aid them guard Siberia. Should 1 go, And strive to bend my father from his plans?" 490 "Nay," said Meymooneh, "thither ne'er return. My father's faithful servants will defend Siberia from the hosts that Iblees leads. 58 MEYMOONEH. Iblees -would soon detect your altered mien, And slay you. Kather would I fly with you, 495 To join our armies iu the distant North, But I am now o'erwearied, and the way To Jinneestahn is long, so quit me not, And I will lead you to the gorgeous realms Where Ed-Dimiryaht rules. From thence I came 500 To fight my way across the sea, alone, Before I called you forth from Western Kahf." Meymooneh led the way o'er many a land. And man)' a fearful desert, till she reached The Eastern Outer Ocean. High she rose 505 Above the clouds, and led Zelemboor on. Until they reached the lovely blue lagoon, That sleeps within the Reef of Jinneestahn. "Zelemboor", cried the Princess, "see you not "The golden amber in the ocean depths? 510 It is a glorious city, Amberabahd, With justice called the Moon of Jinneestahn. Yet brighter splendours overspread the land. Although the rainbows and the brilliant suns Shine brightly on the ocean. Now behold 515 Joharahbahd, the Sun of Jinneestahn, In all its glory! Notice how the stones Change as the varied fires around them sweep, And in the mingled rays of many a sun." Zelemboor speechless with surprise, beheld 520 The city blazing scarcely to be borne. With suns and flames and rainbows. Down they sank Amid its glories, and Meymooneh led Zelemboor to the palace of the King, Who strove by all his magic arts, to thwart 525 MEYMOONEH AND ZELEMBOOR. 59 El Aawar's crafty, cruel scheme, to blind The mighty Chieftains of the North with wine. He saw Zelemboor, and he ceased his spells. "Thank God, Meymooneh, that I sent you not To' earth in vain, for you have hither led 530 My father, whom I never dared to hope Would leave the troops of Iblees. Can it be, Father, that j-ou now forsake your sins? 1 would not willingly have caused you pain, But dared not join the son of Jarjarees 535 In his insane rebellion." As he spoke, Zelemboor knelt ■ before him, but he raised His father up : "Zelemboor, do not stoop To Iblees or to me, let Allah hear Your praj-ers alone! I cannot speak the joy 540 I feel to see you here ! " Marjahneh came To seek the King, and bade Meymooneh tell The story of her journey. "You indeed Are worthy of your station!" she exclaimed, "And I proclaim you free from all restraints, 545 Save what the laws of God and Jinn impose. Zelemboor from the realms of Iblees comes, And 1 will join your father, and from him Will learn how fare the Jinn that Iblees leads." As thus she spoke, Meymooneh left the hall, 550 And overwearied as she was, she flew Among the highest rainbows, where she lay 12 Resting amid the changing, shifting gleams That played around her couch of brilliant light, And gazing upward at the setting suns, 555 60 MEYMOONEH. And hearing faintly angel songs in Heaven, Till the bright light, and all the soothing sounds, Lulled her to sleep. The moons and belts shone forth, And bathed her in a sea of silver light, Whose waves rolled silently around her couch, 560 As she lay sleeping in her rainbow bed, Without a dream of care, or thought of sin. To dim the mirror of her perfect peace. She thought not of the past, she needed not; She thought not of the future; for she knew 565 Her days were days of endless happiness, Untouched by care or sin. She lay and slept Till the red sun arose, and from its height Flung down its roses o'er her. Up she sprang And stood upon the I'ainbow, to behold 570 The rising of the suns. The moving sea Of vapours glowed beneath like scarlet wool, And through it many a gorgeous hue appeared, Born of the rosy light. Another sun Arises, and its yellow rays descend, 575 And alter all the landscape, and the peaks Of Kahf are tinged with dazzling azure blue. But vainly pen might strive to paint the scene The Princess viewed. Familiar as she was With every feature of that wondrous sky, 580 Yet never did she feel its glory so, As now, when absence for a single day Had doubled all its charms. She stood and gazed, A proud, triumphant feeling in her heart, Like that we feel upon a starry night, 585 And know not whence it comes. A murmured prayer Of thankfulness and joy escaped her lips. MEYMOONEH AND ZELEMBOOR. 61 One glance alone had quenched an eagle's eye, Had eagle stood beside her. Now behold, A ray of glory falls, so dazzling white 590 That all the suns are darkened, and it shines Around Meymooneh, and she sinks in awe Down on her knees, and hides her dazzled eyes; Yet, through her eyelids and her hands, the light Seems to pervade her senses utterly. 595 "Arise, beloved of God and angels, rise *3 And hear the message sent thee from on high." The Princess rose, and faced the painful light, And saw the angel Jebraeel by her side. "Zelemboor ne'er shall join with Iblees more, 600 But dwell with you, an equal and a friend. Iq Heaven we honour you o'er all the troops Of Ed-Dimiryaht, since to you belongs The glory of Zeleniboor's safe return From Iblees' armies. To Jerusalem, 605 Let Ed-Dimiryaht, and his subject Kings Depart, for there Suleymahn soon shall reign, And he must be his Wezeer. When a fiend Shall steal Suleymahn's Seal, he'll first command That Iblees shall be worshipped, 'Tis the sign 610 By which King Ed-Dimiryaht, shall perceive That he must lead his army to defend Joharahbahd from Iblees. Peace to thee. And to thy race, Meymooneh!" As he spoke, The suns shone forth from their eclipse of light, 615 And Jebraeel vanished; but the Princess flew Swift to the city. 62 MEYMOONEH. Ed-Dimiryabt sent His messengers to call his subject Kings, And left Joharahbahd, prepared to serve As Wezeer, one to whom his mighty power 620 Was nothing, since all living things obeyed The King Sulej'mahn, and his awful Seal. END OF THE SECOND BOOK. SULEYMAHN IBN DAHOOD. 63 BOOK THE THIRD. SULEYMAHN IBN OAHOOD. ARGUMENT. I. Suleymahn appoints Ahssaf and Ed-Dimiryaht his chief wezeers. His neglect of his prayers while inspecting some horses His repentance and atonement. The Carpet of Suleymahn. Levy of his troops. Founding of the Temple. Punishment of a rebel- lious Efreet. II. King Abd El Hahrith sends the Efreet Dahish to make a treaty with Suleymahn. Dahish stirs up his master to reject Suley- mahn's terms. Great Battle between the Kings. Death of Abd El Hahrjth. Imprisonment of Dahish. HI. The King of Sidou requests tribute of Suleymahn. The Power of Azraeel. Battle at Sidon. Death of the King, and des- truction of the city. Narrow escape of Princess Jerahdeh. IV. Suleymahn woos Jerahdeh. Her grief for her father. Dispute between Ed-Dimiryaht and Suleymahn. The Magic Statue. Idolatry of Jerahdeh, Faktash steals Suleymahn's Seal, and deposes him. Ed-Dimiryaht and his followers escape to Joharahbahd, placing Ahssaf in Amberabahd. V. Ed-Dimiryaht marshals his troops. Jebraeel and Meymoo- neh. Faktash and Iblees lay siege to Joharahbahd. Battle between the walls of the city. Interposition of Azraeel. Azraeel drives Faktash from Suleymahn's throne. Faktash bound by Ed-Dimiryaht. 64 SULEYMAHN IBN DAHOOD. VI. Ahssaf wanders about in Amberabahd. Eeturn of King SaUeh. Their conversation. Ahssaf recalled to Jerusalem. VII. The GalOean fisherman. Suleymahn recovers his Seal. His return to Jerusalem. Faktash chained and thrown into the Dead Sea. The Inhabitants of Sodom. VIII. Suleymahn's pilgrimage to Mekkeh. He hears of Queen Bilkees. He invites her to visit him at Jerusalem. Her throne and her army. The gulf round Jerusalem. Meymooneh and Bilkees. Suleymahn's reception of Bilkees. Their nuptials. IX. Ahssafs dream of the fall of Jerusalem. He calls Ed- Dimiryaht. The Magic Mirror. Visions of the Future. X. Old age of Suleymahn. His conversation with his wezeers. Appearance of Jebraeel. His prophecies and consolations. Death of Suleymahn. Death of Ahssaf, and return of Ed-Dimiryaht to Jo- harahbahd. OANTO I. THE SEAL AND THE CARPET. In silent, anxious thought Suleymahn sat Alone within his palacis. "Who have I," He thought within himself, "that I can ask To be my Wezeer of mankind? I wear A Seal on which the Name of Grod is stamped, 5 Arid by its might all living things I rule. What living man can rule the beasts and birds. And how can I control the Evil Jinn? Though God has placed their Chieftams in my power, Confined by strongest chains, yet even I 10 View them with shuddering fear. My truest friend Is Ahssaf **, old Barkhiya's virtuous son: THE SEAL AND THE CARPET, 65 Him will I make my Wezeer of mankind, And he will teach me how to use my power," Suleymahn clapped his hands; a servant came. 15 "Go, summon Ahssaf hither." He obej'ed, And Ahssaf shortly stood before the King. "Ahssaf," Suleymahn cried, "behold my Seal! All living things must serve it. Counsel me, How I may best control the beasts and birds, 20 And more perplexing still than all beside, Whom can I make my Wezeer of the Jinn ? I beg you as a friend, and as a King, To serve me as my Wezeer of mankind." Ahssaf replied, "If you believe me fit, 25 No false humility shall make me shun The arduous office," "On the Seal I wear. Lay first your hand, and pledge yourself to act With equal justice both to friends and foes ; And swear obedience to me on the Seal. 30 God deal with you as you shall deal with me!" Suleymahn spoke, and Ahssaf laid his hand Upon the Seal, and took the solemn oath. Then said the King again, "I do not know How best to rule the beasts and birds and Jinn." 35 The hall was filled with Jinnees as he spoke. And Ed-Dimiryaht thus addressed ihe King: "Prophet of God, I come at His command, To be your Wezeer, and to rule the Jinn. I know the power inherent in your Seal, 40 And do not fear to pledge myself thereon. The King of the Believing Jinn am I, And Ed-Dimiryaht, King of Jinneestahn, 66 SULEYMAHN IBN DAHOOD. Will ne'er abuse his power, or dare to stoop To Ibices and bis servants." "God 'be praised!" 45 Ahssaf exclaimed, "for he has surely sent A messenger to rule for you the Jinn. No Jinnee falsely swears upon the Seal!" Suleymahn sat unmoved, and gave his hand To Ed-Dimiryabt, who upon the Seal, 50 And on the Name engraved upon the Seal, Swore everlasting friendship with the King. Suleymahn answered, "King of Jinneestahn, God deal with you as you shall deal with me! Among the Kings around you, have you none 55 Who under me will rule the beasts and birds?" Two Jinnee Kings stepped forward, and they swore To serve Suleymahn. "Do not now remain," Suleymahn answered, "but to-morrow lead Your armies hither, for I wish to hold 60 A levj- of my troops." Thej'- bowed themselves Before Suleymahn, and were gone. He looked Around him, but beside him Ahssaf stood, — Ahssaf alone, although the hall was filled, When he dismissed the monarchs of the Jinn. 65 Suleymahn said to Ahssaf, "View my troops. To-morrow's levy must be such a scene. As ne'er was witnessed in the world before. The horses ^^ which my father years ago Took from the Amalekites, I now will see. 70 Give orders to the grooms to lead them out Before me in the courtyard." Ahssaf called THE SEAL AND THE CARPET, 67 The grooms, and went to muster all his troops. Suleymahn stood to view the steeds, and gazed In admiration on them, and remained 75 Of all beside forgetful, till the shades Of evening fell around him. "Woe to me! May God forgive me!" then the King exclaimed: "I have not offered up my noonday prayers, Shame on me, that I thus neglect to praise 80 That God who gives me universal sway!" He stood with knitted brow in mournful thought, Then seized an axe that in the courtyard lay. And as a sacrifice to God, the King Nine hundred of the thousand horses slew. 85 At length an angel came, and stayed his hand. "Prophet of God, your fault is well atoned. And more than pardoned by the King of Heaven. God gives you now dominion o'er the wind. And sends a silken Carpet, green as grass, 90 Whereon vour mighty armies all may stand, And journey with the wind from place to place. And yet it does not weigh a single pound, *^ And you might roll it in a walnut shell, Nor shall you ever find it large or small." 95 The angel vanished as Suleymahn took The Carpet. "Just and righteous still thou art, . Allah!" he exclaimed, "and never more Will I neglect the worship due to Thee. To-morrow will I spread the Carpet out, 100 And there will orderly arrange my troops." Thus speaking, to his palace he returned, Revolving in his mind the strange events, And checquered incidents that marked the day. 6* 68 SULEYMAHN IBN DAHOOD. The morrow came at length, the King arose, 105 And led the troops without Jerusalem, Then cast the Carpet down upon the ground, And .it unrolled before him, till it spread Far o'er the plain. Sulej'mahn placed his throne Upon the Carpet. Ahssaf on the right 110 Sat with the human troops. The King stood up, And let the sunhglit sparkle on the Seal, And called the Kings of the Believing Jinn. "Lo", Ed-Dimiryaht answered, "all are here!" And on Suleyniahn's left the Jinnee stood, 115 His army round him, while in front of all, An army marched of beasts; and overhead The birds assembled, as a canopy To shield Suleymahn's army from the sun. "Behold !" Suleymahn cried, "I rule the wind, 120 And I command it to convey my troops Above Jerusalem." The Carpet rose, And slowly o'er the city's walls it sailed. Suleymahn spoke. "My father wished to raise A temple lo the God we all adore. 125 This undertaking now devolves on me. King Ed-Dimiryaht, bid the Jinn erect A gorgeous temple on the hill below. A stream of molten brass already flows Where you must found the temple. But compel 130 The Evil Jinn to aid you in the work. No human weakness is their unbelief, But 'tis the sin inherent in the race That counts all evil good." The Carpet sank Upon the hill below. The armies moved, 135 THE SEAL AND THE CARPET. 69 And stood around it, and Suleymahn bade The Jinn remove his throne, and two obeyed. Suleymahn seized the Carpet, when it rolled Again into his hand. "Remove the troops Of men, and beasts, and birds," he cried, "and ye, 140 Believing Jinn, prepare to rear a fane. Of which Jerusalem shall long be proud!" Suleymahn still between his wezeers stood, And he upraised the Seal, and by its might. He bade the Evil Jinn that God had chained, 145 Appear; and aid King Ed-Dimiryaht's troops. Huge heaps of metal and of stone were piled Upon the hill. The Evil Jinn were forced, Bound as thej' were, to lift the massive stones, And lay them in the deep foundation pits. 150 Throughout the day the King and wezeers stood, And saw them fix the stones, and make them firm, With mortar from the spring of molten brass. At length the evening came. An Efreet stood. And tried to spoil the work that he had done, 155 Unnoticed by his fellows. *' He was seized. And dragged before Suleymahn. "Bring me here A brazen bottle", cried the angry King, "And bring me here a cup of molten brass": And these were placed before him as he spoke. 160 Suleymahn took the Seal, and stripped the chains From off the Efreet. "In the name of God, (The Name engraved upon this awful Seal)", Suleymahn cried, "I bid you enter this." The conquered Efreet grinned, and gnashed his teeth, 165 With rage and fear and hatred, but in vain. Within the flask he crept, and then the King 70 SULEYMAHN IBN DAHOOD. Above him poured and sealed the molten brass. "Beneath the sea for ages lie!" he cried, "In mental suffering only, but so great, 170 That till the hand of man shall chance to break The flask, or take the stopper from its mouth, Far rather would you drink the Zakkoom juice, And lie amid Jahennem's flames of stone. To drag your mind from out its inward hell, 175 To outward sufferings, more to be preferred, Than those to which remorse alone gives birth." King Ed-Dimiryaht took the flask, and flew Around the works, to warn the Evil Jinn, What woes awaited those who dared rebel, 180 Then flying swift southwestwardly, he cast The flask away, and watched it as it sank Deep in the salt and bitter Sea of Death, That swallows up the Jordan, and remains Stagnant and gloomy, edged with barren shores. 185 Four ruined cities stand upon its bed. Where never more the voice of man shall sound. The earthquake and volcano sleep beneath, Their work of wrath accomplished; as the lion Lies down, and sleeps a deep and hear)- sleep, 190 When he has gorged his appetite with man. CANTO II. D A H I S H. Amid the seas between the world of men, And that which flows within tlie mountain Kahf, Are lovely islands, where the monarchs dwell, DAHISH. 71 Who rule the separate nations of the Jinn, 195 And who acknowledge as their sovereign Chief, Iblees, or Ed-Dimiryaht. One there was, Who ruled a nation of the Diving Jinn, *« And worshipped Iblees. In his evil days, Zelemboor to the King an idol gave, 200 Of red cai'nelion, and commanded him Daily to worship it; and as its priest, Zelemboor bade the Efreet Dahish act. This King ruled also o'er a race of men. Whom he had brought to serve him, from the earth, 205 And over these he set a. human King, Whose lovely daughter worshipped constantly The accursed idol. When the Jinnee King Of King Suleymahn's awful power had heard, He sent the Efreet Dahish to his court. 210 He was a hideous Efreet, black as coal, And of gigantic size; three fiery eyes Glared in his face like torches; and his hair Was as the tails of horses j and his arms Were four in number, two like human arms, 215 Two like the legs of lions, armed with claws. The monster came before Suleymahn's throne. And all the men drew backwards in affright. And thus to King Suleymahn Dahish spoke: "King Abd El Hahrith *» greets you. He would fain 220 Conclude a peaceful treaty with the King Who wears a Seal that makes the Jinn bis slaves." "I know him not", Suleymahn made reply, "Whom worships he, and rules he men or Jinn?" "He worships Iblees," Dahish fiercely cried, 225 "And to an image of his god he kneels. 72 SULEYMAHN IBN DAHOOD. Iblees has no more faithful slave than he. He rules a mighty host of Diving Jinn, And also rules a nation of mankind, Whose leader serves him, and the human King, 230 Has a most lovely daughter, -who adores The idol as devoutly as myself." "One treaty only will I make with him," Suleymahn answered, "let the King proclaim, 'God is the only God in Heaven or Earth; 235 Suleymahn is his Prophet;' let him break The idol that he worships; let him wed To me the daughter of the human King ; ^o And then will 1 confirm him on his throne. But if he will not hear me, mark my words!' 240 My armies of the Jinn shall fill the air, And leave the King a thing of yesterday. My Wezeer, Ed-Dimiryaht, shall depart, And bring me back an answer from the King." Dahish bent low before the Prophet's throne, 245 And Ed-Dimiryaht with him left the hall. "Westwards they flew, and Dahish led the way To Abd El Hahrith's island, when he asked An audience of the King. The wicked King With scornful indignation heard the terms. 250 "Let King Suleymahn's envoy here remain, While I consult the god that I adore." A Wezeer then to Abd El Hahrith spoke: "Can King Suleymahn force you to his will? How can he fight the armies of the Jinn, 255 Which surely will assist you? How can he Convey his forces to your island home? I say, resist him to the uttermost; DAHISH. 73 But first consult the idol, and abide By what he shall direct you." Then the priests 260 Presented offerings to the senseless stone, And Abd El Hahrith knelt, and weeping prayed: "Suleymahn bids me break thee, O my lord, And bow before another God than thee. Assist me therefore in my need, and grant 265 Thy aid to crush the boaster to the dust." But Dahish crept within the hollow stone, And spoke the oracle in lying words: "I care not for Suleymahn ! If he dares Assail me, I will snatch his soul away. 270 Is not the future wholly in my hand? Bring here and slay the envoy he has sent, And send his ashes to the fool he serves, And tell Sulej'mahn, 'Thy presumptuous mind Incites thee to employ unfounded threats. 275 Come thou to me, or I will go to thee.'" The wicked King, -when Ed-Dimiryaht came, Repeated word for word the idol's speech. "Suppose you," he replied, "that Iblees' troops Can ever hope to quell Suleymahn's might? 280 Traitors, the King of the Believing Jinn Before you stands, and he defies you all. Behold the god in whom you put your trust!" He spoke, and struck the idol with his foot, And shattered it to pieces, in the midst 285 Of those indignant Chiefs, who drew their swords, And rushed on Ed-Dimiryaht, where he stood Alone against an army, but encased In Jarjarees' impenetrable arms. 74 SULEYMAHN IBN DAHOOD. Uninjured to Suleymahn he returned, 290 And told his story, and Suleymahn rose, As if his resurrection-day had come, So great his eagerness to meet his foe. "King Ed-Dimiryaht, call your troops of Jinn: Assemble, Ahssaf, all my human troops; 295 For I will seek the tyrant out to-day!" Suleymahn spread the Carpet out, and placed A jewelled throne of crystal first thereon. And Ahssaf took his place upon the right, And with him stood a million human troops. 300 As many Jinn King Ed-Dimiryaht led, While to gain favour in Suleymahn's eyes, Six hundred millions of the Evil Jinn Flocked to the Prophet's standard. On the left, Suleymahn placed the armies of the Jinn ; 305 He placed the savage beasts in front of all, And hovering o'er the army hung the birds. At King Suleymahn's word, a mighty wind To Abd El Hahrith's island bore his troops. This he surrounded with his mighty host, 310 Then sent to Abd El Hahrith, "Lo, I come ! Resist me if thou darest, or submit. And yield the terms I asked." The King replied, "I cannot yield to King Suleymahn's terms: Inform him he must meet me in the field." 315 Suleymahn marshalled all his troops, and spoke First to the birds. "With talons, beak, and wings, Assail, confuse, and blind the hostile bands, And thus divert them irom my mightier troops." Then to the beasts he spoke. "Do ye attack 320 DAHISH. 75 My foes with claws and teeth, but chiefly strive To tear their horses down." The beasts and birds As with one voice made answer to the King: "Prophet of God, His will and thine be done!" On came the foe; Suleymahn gave the word, 325 And men and Jinn and beasts and birds were mixed In one tremendous conflict. Dahish first Against Suleymahn's army led his troops, And Dahish said to those who round him fought: "Maintain your places in the field. I go 330 To challenge Ed-Dimirj^aht." As he spoke, The King appeared, a cloud of flaming fire. Huge as a mountain, while the smoke arose Wreathing in dusky columns to the sky, Obscuring heaven, and Dahish aimed his darts 335 In vain against the King, whose spears of flame. Struck back the darts he hurled against himself, And Dahish found his mightiest efl"orts foiled. As the pale phosphorescense of the wave, A fire-ship quenches, so his feebler fires 340 Were quenched before his foe's o'erpowering flames. Then Ed-Dimiryaht shouted at the fiend A cry of war at which the mountains shook. And Dahish thought that heaven itself had fallen, And closed for ever o'er his sinful head. 345 The armies met in fury, and a Chief With Abd El Hahrith closed, and pierced him through, And rushing onward in the heat of fight, Left him to burn to ashes. Then was heard The clash of arms, the ceaseless roar of flames, 350 76 SULEYMAHN IBN DAHOOD. (For all the Jinn who mingled in the fight, Were wrapped from head to foot in flames and smoke.) With frenzied rage the hostile armies fought, As though their very hearts within were clefifc, And in the air the birds with fury fought, 355 And in the mingled ashes, dust and blood, Rolled horses, beasts, and men. Suleymahn cried, "Seize ye the leaders of the Evil Jinn!" And even while he spoke, his army charged. And routed everywhere the hostile bands. 360 Dahish fled westwards when he saw the rout, And wearied with the combat as he was, Yet thinking of Suleymahn's wrath, the fear Urges him on with headlong speed, and swift King Ed-Dimiryaht follows, s" As he flies, 365 Dahish tries every means to shake him off, But nothing can avail to save himself. His head is dizzy, and the utmost pain Shoots through his back and shoulders and his wings. He falters, headlong falls, and swooping down, 370 King Ed-Dimiryaht stands above his' foe. Then Dahish spoke: "I pray thee in the name Of Him who hath created me and thee, And thee exalted by my shameful fall, And since we both are Efreets of the Jinn, 375 I pray thee pity me, and let me go To plead my cause before Suleymahn's throne." The pitying King responded, "Have thy vnll! I cannot, Dahish harm a humbled foe, And I will ask my master to award 380 A milder punishment than he himself Is willing to allot you." THE FALL OF SIDON. 77 Dahish rose, And went before Suleymahn, But the King, Who would not heed the Efreet's anxious prayers. Commands a pillar to be made of stone, 385 In which he sunk the offender to the waist, And chained him fast, and fixed upon the chain, His royal Seal, and Ed-Dimiryaht took The pillar far into a waste of sand. For Ed-Dimirj'aht begged his master place * 390 The Efreet in a pillar, not a flask. There Abd El Melik's messengers, who went To seek the imprisoned Efreets, saw him stand, Chained up for evermore, aud closely watched, Lest, spite the talisman's o'er whelming might, 395 The crafty Efreet should attempt again To harm Suleymahn, or Believing Jinn. CANTO III. THE FALL OF SIDON. The King of Sidon ^^ -with an envious eye Beheld Suleymahn's universal sway, And blinded by his senseless pride, he sent 400 A threatening message to him: "Would you sit Securely on your father Dahood's throne? Then pay to me, as guardian of your power. An annual tribute." When the envoy came, Suleymahn heard him with a smile of scorn. 405 78 SULEYMAHN IBN DAHOOD. "Let Sidon's King beware my awful power; Let him repeat, 'One God alone exists; Suleymahn is his Prophet', let him give His daughter, and the tribute asked to me." The messenger to Sidon's King returned, 410 And gave Suleymahn's answer. He exclaimed. "Suleymahn has defied me! He shall die, Though all the Jinn should join him ! You shall bear This message to Suleymahn. 'Coward, come, And raze the city Sidon to the ground ! 415 Its massive walls are built of solid stone And none can break them down !' " Suleymahn heard. And answered, "Does Suleymahn speak in vain? The walls of Sidon may in vain oppose Suleymahn's Carpet, or the Flying Jinn" 420 Suleymahn spread the Carpet, and his troops Assembled on it, when a shuddering awe Fell upon every creature, as alone. Through all the forces, to Suleymahn's right A stern and silent stranger made his way ; ^3 425 The troops fell back dismayed, and let him pass. At length he stopped and gazed with moveless eyes, Upon a Captain, who with trembling fear. Called on Suleymahn: "Save me, thou whose power All living things obey, for I can feel, 430 By the strange coldness creeping through my heart. He is not human." King Suleymahn rose, And gazing on the stranger, he exclaimed, "Who art thou stranger? Wherefore art thou here, And wherefore dost thou stand before the man, 435 THE FALL OF SIDON. 79 Who trembles at thy presence?" Like a knell, The solemn answer thrilled through every soul. "Prophet of God, thy Seal controls not me! Behold the angel Azraeel!" As he spoke, The Captain sprang and seized Suleymahn's robe. 440 "0 for my childrens' sake, command the wind To carry me to India!" "Be it so!" Suleymahn answered, and the obedient wind ■ Obeyed the impKed command. Then Azraeel spoke: "Prophet of God, thinkest thou thy mighty power 445 Can aught avail a man whose hour is come? When Allah sent me for thy Captain's soul, I knew that wheresoever he might be, In India he should die!'' He spoke and fled, And a great awe came over all the host. 450 At length Suleymahn bade the wind uplift, And bear his Carpet, and his valiant troops, To Sidon, but commanded, "Men alone Shall mingle in the fight with Sidon's troops, For with unequal foes I will not strive." 455 The Carpet in the heart of Sidon sank, And Ahssaf led Suleymahn's forces on, And Jo, the King of Sidon and his troops, Advanced against them, and the fight began. The King of Sidon's army bravely fought, 460 But King Suleymahn's mighty force prevailed. And slowly drove them back along the streets. At length the King, who saw his army j'ield, 80 SULEYMAHN IBN DAHOOD. Cut through the foes who nearest to him fought, And through a lane of corpses, forced his way, 465 To where Suleymahn's Wezeer, Ahssaf, fought. Then lifting high his heavy sword, he smote Full on the crest of Ahssaf, and the blow Glanced from his helmet, but the Wezeer stopped, . And rested staggering on his sword. Again 470 With all his force the King repeats the blow. And Ahssaf drops a moment on his knees, And from the shock recovering, shame and rage. Alternately supply him double strength. Then leaping to his feet, he lifts his sword, 475 And at the King he strikes. A soldier near Opposes to the sword a weighty axe. The ringing blade is dashed from Ahssafs grasp. And hurled beyond his reach. The King with joy Beholds his foe disarmed, and once again 480 Aims a terrific blow ; beneath its force. The tempered armour of the Wezeer yields: His blood bedews the steel. A cry of rage Now burst from either army; and the troops Rushed up to aid their masters. Ahssaf sprang, 485 And seized the King, and dashed him to the ground, When King Suleymahn's army, round them thronged. Ahssaf had now the King within his power. And would have offered life, but while he spoke, A Jewish spear was o'er his shouldei" hurled, 490 Which pinned the liapless monarch to the earth. "Who struck the fatal blow?" he sternly asked. A favourite general of his own replied, "I struck the blow, and claim my just reward." The Wezeer seized a sword, and clove his head. 495 THE PALL OF SIDON. 81 "So shall the Wezeer Ahssaf aye reward The wretch who dares to strike a fallen foe!" The men of Sidon flung their arms away: "We yield to King Suleymahn: grant us peace!" Then Ahssaf bade his army cease to slay, 500 Until Suleymahn's purpose should be known. Suleymahn answered, "Peace I grant our foes: Their wives and children and their wealth are theirs, For what would be the profit to myself, To slay the troops or rob them of their wealth? 505 The city they must leave, and not rebuild : 'Twas once a stronghold of idolatry, And I have sworn to raze it to the ground." Ahssaf returned, and all the troops withdrew, And King Suleymahn bade the Jinn destroy 510 The town by fire, but enter every house. And bring before him whomsoe'er they found, Who had not joined the army when it marched Away from Sidon; but a furious wind So rapidly diffused the spreading flames, 515 That hardly could the Jinn obey the King, And snatch the few who still remained behind, Away from burning houseSj though they strove With all their might to do the King's command. But in the centre of the city stood, 520 Jerahdeh, Sidon's Princess, who beheld The flames advancing upon every side. Upon the palace battlements she stood, Prepared to cast herself upon the ground. King Ed-Dimiryaht saw the flames had reached 525 The palace, and above the flames and smoke, He flew, and seized her. Scarce his feet had touched 6 82 SULEYMAHN IBN DAHOOD. The battlements, when tottering to its fall, The palace shook, and cracked, and crashed, and fell, A fiery heap of ruins. Then the King 530 Bore to SulejTnahn's tent the senseless girl, And on returning to the burning town. He saw the boasted walls of SIdon stand. Blackened and scathed with fire, and all within, A fiery sea round crashing buildings swept. 535 Suleymahn calmed Jerahdeh's wild affright, And promised to protect her, and alone He kept her with him ; all the Sidonites Who else were brought before him, he dismissed To join their friends who left the town before. 540 CANTO IV. THE REBELLION OF FAKTASH. When King Suleymahn reached Jerusalem, He called Jerahdeh to him, and addressed The Princess kindly: "Will you dwell with me? I love you; will you not become my wife? And nothing you may ask will I deny." 545 Jerahdeh answered, "True, mighty King, Since Sidon fell, your kindness I have proved, Yet can I never love you." "Wherefore not? The riches of my empire all are thine." '^My father perished when the city fell. 550 King, he was not slain at your command. Yet how can I, a lonely orphan, love The King who burned our dwelling to the ground, THE REBELLION OF FAKTASH. 83 And caused his murder?" From the King she turned. And weeping hid her face with both her hands, 555 Nor would she deign to speak another word. Suleymahn sought his private room, and called His Wezeer Ed-Dimiryaht, and he bade The Jinnee make a statue like the life, Of Sidon's King, to lull Jerahdeh's grief. 560 "Beware, King Suleymahn," he replied, "For fearful was the gross idolatry That formerly in Sidon had its seat. Be sure it can be neither right nor wise To throw temptation in Jerahdeh's way, 565 And though I serve your Seal, I dare not risk The danger that appears in your command. Nor would I have you wed another wife. Scarce passes e'en a day, unless we hear Another Princess as your Queen proclaimed. 570 King of the world, can this be wise or right. And must it not to countless evils lend? Conceive you that I love Marjahneh less Because I never wed another wife? And yet my life ends only with the world, 575 And yours may last at most a hundred years." He ceased, and King Suleymahn fiercely shook The hand which wore the Seal, above his head. "Who dares reproach the King who owns my Seal? Has it not power o'er every living thing? 580 If the Believing Jinn otey me not. Send me an Efreet of the Evil Jimi: ■ Send Faktasb, who has pleased me well of late. And he shall be my Wezeer of the Jinn, 6* 84 SULEYMAHN IBN DAHOOD. And he shall do m}' bidding." "Woe to thee!" 585 The Jinnee answered sternly, "Iblees waits To take thee at thy word, foolish King! Art thou, the wisest of mankind, a fool? Or knowst thou not that by thy very words, Thou callest forth the demons of the pit, 590 And sellst thyself to work their evil will! I can but warn thee, and perchance in vain Mayst thou remember this!" He turned his back, And slowly and with measured steps, he strode Out of Suleymahn's presence; and the King 595 Looked on him half remorseful; but the air Grew dense and dark, as with a gathering storm, And Faktash stood before him. "Trust in me," The Tempter cried, "I heard a rebel slave, Oppose your royal will; but say the word, 600 And such a statue shall delight your eyes, That if the King should rise from out his grave, No mortal could distinguish certainly Which figure was the King, until he moved." "So let it be!" Suleymahn made reply, 605 And Faktash muttered an infernal spell; And King Suleymahn started to behold The King of Sidon standing by his side! And on reflection, he could scarce believe He saw a statue, not the living King. 610 It soothed Jerahdeh's grief, and down she knelt, And prayed before the idol when alone, For forty days, when Ahssaf sought the King, And heard by chance the hymns Jerahdeh sung: THE REBELLION OF FAKTASH. 85 Then when he found the King he told him all. 615 Suleymahn rent his clothes, and beat his breast, And imprecated curses on himself, And called for Ed-Dimiryaht, and again Made him his Wezeer; .then he went alone To Queen Jeradeh's chamber, and he struck 620 The idol from its pedestal. It fell, Shattered to pieces on the marble floor. Then to his private chamber he withdrew, And humbly prayed for pardon for his sin. But Faktash took the King Suleymahn's form, 625 And passed unchallenged through the royal guards, And sought a Queen with whom the King had left His awful Seal, and took it. Then he clothed Suleymahn all in rags, and made him seem Far other from himself, his visage changed, 630 And thrust him from the palace. Faktash went Straight to the council room, and took his seat On King Suleymahn's throne; for e'en the Jinn Believed the Efreet Faktash was the King. Awhile he sat in silence; then exclaimed, 635 "The greatest of the Kings of earth am I, And who shall dare withstand me? I adore No God but one, and Iblees is his name, And I command that none, on pain of death, Shall worship any other God than he!" 640 King Ed-Dimiryaht silently arose, And sternly on the Efreet fixed his eyes. And Faktash quailed before his searchmg gaze. And Ed-Dimiryaht knew 'twas not the King. He took the written compact he had signed 645 With King Suleymahn, broke the seal across, 86 SULEYMAHN IBN DAHOOD. Aud tore the deed to fragments. Silent still, Pie left the court with all believing Jinn. By some resistless impulse that he felt He could not master, Ahssaf tore the bond 650 That both Suleymahn and himself had signed, And cast it at the false Suleyraahn's feet; Then sprang away, and ran with all his speed To join the Jinn before their flight commenced. He could not see the army of the Jinn, 655 But on the wall that fenced Jerusalem, King Ed-Dimiryaht stood, and by his side. Six Jinnees holding up a palankeen. When Ahssaf joined them, Ed-Dimicyaht cried, "A wicked Efreet has usurped the throne, 660 And I must fight him at Joharahbahd, Come with me, Ahssaf. If you stay behind, Expect not life. He dares not follow me. Till all the Evil Jinn increase his train. Behold his messengers!" And while be spoke, 665 Two Efreets left the palace; one they saw Plunge through the earth; the second bent his way Westwards, and instantly was out of sight. "Nay!" Ahssaf answered, "wherefore risk for me Your life of centuries? No wings have I, 670 And I should but impede you, and perchance Might cause your death, monarch, save yourself, And think not that I fear to die. Away! And Allah will protect me from the fiends.'' King Ed-Dimirj-aht answered not, but seized 675 The Wezeer, cast him in the palankeen. And from the wall he sprang; and Ahssaf looked, THE REBELLION OF FAKTASH. 87 And lo, Jerusalem was fiar away, Lost in the distance, and the desert sands Extended wide below him, while around 680 He saw the bearers of the palankeen Wrapped in a halo, for so swift they flew, He saw their wings but dimly as a mist. The air behind them closed with thunder-roar, s* As though 'twere parted by a lightning flash, 685 Though hghtning could not equal half their speed. "What path, Ed-Dimiryaht, should we take?" The bearers asked the King, who flew above The palankeen. He answered, "Leave behind The grosser air of earth ! The sea of blue, «» 690 Above the highe,st clouds will bear us best!" He spoke, and higher yet the Jinnees flew. And Ahssaf looked around in trenibling awe. No sapphire vault now arched above his head: Above, below, around him he beheld 695 A shoreless sea of deepest heavenly blue. Panting he gazed, he could not speak or move: His nails were purple, and with pain he breathed, Yet as he viewed the wondrous sights around, He did not choose to bid the Jinn descend. 700 Higher they rose, and Ahssaf senseless sunk, And Ed-Dimiryaht bade the bearers sweep Swift to a stratum of the denser air. When Ahssaf looked around again, he saw Far to the East, a pile of thunder-clouds, 705 And over these, a dazzling wall of green, ' And then he knew he saw the mountain Kahf. King Ed-Dimiryaht placed on Ahssaf s hand A ring, s< and clasped him flrmly in his arms. 08 SULEYMAHN IBN DAHOOD. "Away, ye Jinnees, to Joharahbalid, 710 And there await my coming!" he exclaimed. They cast the palankeen away, and rushed Yet swifter through the trackless sea of air, And Ahssaf felt a sickening, rushing fall; So swift, he lost perception as he fell, 715 Till Ed-Dimiryaht forward rushed again. A tumult like a tempest Ahssaf heard. Next came a single flash of blinding light. And Ed-Dimiryaht plunged into the sea. And placed him in the city Amberabahd. 720 "Here sta}-," he cried, "the waters hurt you not While you retain the ring. 1 must away To fight the Efreet at Joharahbahd, A city human eyes may ne'er behold." CANTO V. THE SIEGE OF JOHARAHBAHD. King Ed-Dimiryaht reached Joharahbahd, 725 And both the lower diamond domes were raised. And all assembled on the central dome Were ranged the armies of Believing Jinn, And even Sableh with the Diving Jinn, Had joined King Ed-Dimiryaht's countless hosts. 730 As Ed-Dimiryaht sank upon the dome, A sound like thunder echoed all around. And straight the outer dome was lifted up, And closed above their heads. The King arose, THE SIEGE OF JOHARAHBAHD. 89 And he surveyed the troops, and took his stand 735 Among .them near the centre. On his right Marjahneh stood. She wore a coat of mail Composed of diamond with asbestos fused, Too light to hinder or impede her flight, Yet potent to resist the fiercest flames, 740 And doubly strengthened till it turned the edge Of scymitars, like Salah Ed-Deen's keen. =' Zelemboor had his post upon the left; His ponderous arms were formed of plated steel. And heavier far than prudent; while the King 745 Clothed in the magic arms of Jarjarees, Plated with massive diamonds, seemed indeed A living tower of strength; but well he knew No spells availed against Suleymahn's Seal! On the left wing King Sahleh held command. 750 His arms were formed of silver, intermixed With coral, which in rich profusion joined To form a bright protection for the King. On the right wing Meymooneh had her place , Around her stood ten thousand of her friends, 755 Virgin Jinneeyehs, who had vowed themselves To live or die with Ler. The Princess stood, Shaking her wings, and anxious for the strife, Although she waited with a shuddering awe, And fearful hesitation, a suspense 760 In which she longed for what she dreaded most. She wore no armour; she had thrown aside The coat of mail they brought her. "Bring me not A heavy suit of armour," she exclaimed, No arms can meet the Seal save innocence, 765 And earthly arms against a spell divine 90 SULEYMAHN IBN DAHOOD. Are blasphemous; and next to God himself, I ■would place most dependence on my flames, And on the strength and swiftness of my wings, And not on heavy weights of steel or gems. 770 I can elude the darts that fly around, And close with foes before they think me near, And strike them with my sword or with my flames, And strew their ashes on the dome below." She leaned upon a tempered two-edged sword, 775 Sheathless, and tightly chained around her wrist, And she gazed up at the transparent dome, And waited silent for the evil foes. The maiden's pious confidence in God, And her bright soul, unstained by any cloud, 780 Had won the heart of Jebraeel, and he pled Before the Throne for her, though unaware How deeply he adored her: "Seest thou not, Father, how Meymooneh stands unarmed, And unprotected save by innocence, 785 To fight the demons who possess the Seal? Have mercy on her. Lord, and let her live, For all who face the Seal must burn or die!" A milder light, yet brighter than before, Shone forth around him. "Blessed be thy love, 790 O Jebraeel! Thine is not the sinful love, Which Hahroot and his brother Mahroot weep.*" Go thou with Azraeel, and protect thy love. For she shall be the foremost in the fight; And gain the greatest honour in the field. 795 Yet shall she not be thine while earth remains; — Not wholly thine, until the bridge Siraht Unites the sons of Light, and Flame, and Earth, THE SIEGE OF JOHABAHBAHD. 91 In Heaven; but be her angel guardian thou!" What glory all around Meymooneh shines! 800 She lifts her eyes, but no one near her stands, When lo, she hears a voice remembered well, Though unfamiliar: "Fear not, beloved, For I will guard thee, though thou seest me not. And safe thou art against the Seal itself. 805 Wilt thou to Jebraeel plight eternal love? What though we never may be one on earth, Yet shall Israhfeel join our souls for aye. Such love is sinless in the sight of God!" Awhile the Princess stood oppressed with awe, 810 Trembling, afraid to speak; at length she cried, "If, holy as thou art, thou yet canst stoop To love a lowly daughter of the flame, Then from henceforward 1 am ever thine; Yet scarce, Jebraeel, can I yet believe 815 That thou dost truly love me. Wilt thou wait. Nor call me thine until in Heaven we meet? Then, only then, will I believe thy love!" "Peace on thee, Meymooneh !" Jebraeel cried : "I wait for thee until the Bridge is passed, 820 And nothing shall divide us evermore. But now pi-epare to face thy deadly foes. For lo, they all assemble on the dome!" He ceased; but all around the Princess shone A shining halo which the hostile darts 825 Or flames could never pierce, and now her step VCus tenfold firmer, and she shook her sword, And called her followers, "On to victory, For heavenly angels guard us! Fear ye not, But do your best, and leave the rest to God!" 830 92 SULEYMAHN IBN DAHOOD. Faktasii had summoned Iblees, and he came, And all his followers with him, overjoyed To find his servant had obtained the Seal. Then Faktash cast away Suleymahn's shape, And the unnumbered armies winged their way 835 Eastwards, until they lighted on the dome, That highest rose above Joharahbahd. The army could not find the city's gate. And Faktash knelt upon the wall and drew A circle with the Seal. It cut the stone, 840 As diamond, glass. The Efreet raised his hand, And with the Seal he struck within the ring. And all the slab within the mark was crushed. He sprang at once with Iblees through the breach. And all their legions followed where they led. 845 A mighty flame flashed up between the domes. And in the air the hostile armies met. To meet King Ed-Dimiryaht Faktash flew. Who hurled his spear between the Efreet's eyes, And though no Jinnee can inflict a wound 850 On one who wears the Seal, the shock so stunned The Efreet, that he reeled and senseless fell. Already ashes fell as fast as rain, And Ed-Dimiryaht knew that he must fight, And gain such slight advantage as he could, 855 While Faktash was disabled; called his troops. And stroke by stroke drove Iblees' army back. When Faktash rose, he saw his army yield. He rubbed his spear upon Suleymahn's Seal, And hurled it at the King with all his force: 860 Nor could the arms of Jarjarees himself Resist Suleymahn's Seal. The weapon pierced THE SIEGE OP JOHA.RAHBAHD, 93 Deep in the shoulder of the King, who fell Helpless among the ashes, but he rose, And snapped the spear of Faktash in the wound: 865 Then taking on the central dome his stand, He hurled the mighty spear of Jarjarees (Which never turned aside, or missed its aim, And always flew again into his hand,) Wherever he perceived the thickest foes, 870 With his left arm; his other arm hung down Useless; and useless trailed his broken wing. Zelemboor spi'ang to Ed-Dimiryaht's post. But Dahsim who observed him, hurled a spear Which pierced him to the heart; and as he fell 875 Marjahneh took his place. Her father came, And furious rushed upon her; but she quenched Her flames, and sheathed her sword, and only sought To turn his blows aside. He forced her back; And all the array wavered at the sight, 880 Uncertain whether to retreat or charge. When darting like a rocket through the air. Enveloped in a cloud of flaming fire, Meymooneh rushed between them, and she struck One blow at Dahsim with her flames. He fell, 885 And Queen Marjahneh urged her forces on. But could not now regain the air she lost. Iblees advanced, and drove the army back, And as MejTnooneh for her father feared, She called her guards, and bade them rush below 890 To seek the King, but as they wheeled, they saw The Efreet Faktash on the central dome, Who dashed the Seal against it, and had cleft A fearful breach. She hesitated not, 94 SULEYMAHN IBN DAHOOD. But pointed to the hated enemy, 895 And bade her maidens sweep him from his stand, Ere he could win the wall. They darted down, And on their spear-points lifted up the fiend, And hurled him far away. Meymooneh turned, And she commanded some to hold the breach, 900 And some to bear the wounded from the fight, And some to bid the Queen withdraw her troops, And strive to hold the" last and lowest dome. She went to seek her father, and she took A squadron of Jinneeyehs, and they pierced 905 Thrice through the army of the Evil Jinn. At length Meymooneh found herself alone, And saw her father on the dome below Prostrate, El Aawar kneeling on the King, And striving through his armour-plates to force 910 A passage for his sword. El Aawar heard A voice that cried, "El Aawar, guard thyself!" And he by one tremendous blow was felled. And stretched across the King. The Princess flew So swiftly that she could not stay her flight, 915 But almost dashed herself against the dome, For down she sank until her quivering plumes Cast up the ashes round her. Then she dropped Upon the dome below, and sprang again To aid her father, when El Aawar rose, 920 And rushed against her, but she raised her sword, And plunged it in his breast. She raised the King, Save for the wound of Faktash' spear unhurt. "My father, we have lost the central dome. And our retreat is even now cut off. 925 Our losses have been fearful^ but the foe THE SIEGE OF JOHARAHBAHD. 95 Has also suffered greatly. Of the sons Of Iblees, Teer and Soht alone are left; The rest are slain. father, lean on me, And I will cleave a pathway for us both, 930 Amid the unnumbered foes that hem us round !" "I cannot suffer this," the King replied. "Go, fight as valiantly as in you lies, But I am lost. Go, Queen of Jinneestahn, And govern wisely those who own your power. 935 You cannot save me, and you shall not die!" "I will not be the Queen of Jinneestahn !" She answered firmly, "I remain with you. Did not ten thousand maidens pledge themselves To live or die around mc? I was forced 940 To give them other duties, and in fight Those who remained were scattered; yet I swear By the dread Names on King Suleymahn's Seal, 1 will not leave you here to die alone. But see!" She pointed to the Evil Jinn: 945 "They charge, and we remain upon the dome. And surely the Jinneeyehs think me lost. let me bear you to the lowest dome. Else you will die, and I shall share your fate!" He dared no more oppose her, and she bore 950 Her father slovvly and with cautious strokes, Below the living cloud of fighting Jinn. But suddenly the cloud was rent in twain. And those Jinneeyehs of Meymooneh's guard Who still survived, thronged round her, overjoyed 955 To find her living still. They fenced her well, And guarded her, as to the lowest dome She flew with Ed-Dimiryaht. Then she sat 96 / SULETMAHN IBN DAHOOD. Beside him, wearied with the dreadful strife, And rested, dizzy, panting, gazing up 960 To see the fight, wliich seemed no longer real, But some wild dream. The Efreet forced his way- Down to the lowest dome. Marjahneh came. And with her army fought despairingly Against the Efreet, but she quickly fell 965 Beside the monarch, while from countless wounds Flames flashed around her; but Meymooneh rose. And tore her useless sword from off her wrist, And rushed on Faktash, and before her flames, Or rather her protecting angel's might, 970 The Seal itself grew powerless. Faktash fled; Then bade his armj' force the Princess back, While he descended on the lowest dome. All hope was gone if he should enter this, Bud none could hope to stand against the Seal. 975 But now there flashed a mighty sword of flame Amid the evil arniy. Hundreds fell. And Faktash was himself the first to fly. Whoe'er of the Believing Jinn survived. Was healed of all his weariness and wounds. 980 Then Azraeel thus addressed the Jinnee King: "Attend me to Jerusalem to watch The Efreet Faktash. None will dare again Invade this glorious land. These shattered walls, And hideous heaps of ashes cleanse away; 985 So shall thy kingdom grow more heavenly still!" When forty days had passed away, appeared Before the throne where still the Efreet sat, The angel Azraeel, and he shook his sword, THE CITY OF AMBER. 97 Threatening the fiend, and Faktash fled away, 990 He uttered one tremendous yell, and cast The Seal amid the Galilean waves. Then Ed-Dimiryaht seized and chained him fast, And in Suleymahn's shape assumed the throne, Until his mighty master should return. 995 Then the King sent for Ahssaf to return, And execute such duties as were his, Ere Faktash drove Suleymahn from the throne. CANTO VI. THE CITY OF AMBER. Alone within the Amber City so stands The Wezeer Ahssaf, and its golden gleam, 1000 Though dimmed by endless twilight, is as bright As man can bear. The Diving Jinn have gone To fight the deadliest foes of Jinneestahn; And he, a human hero, stands alone, At what a depth he knows not, on the bed 1005 Of that vast sea that circles round the world. O Ahssaf, dost thou fear? An awful fate For man to visit such a place as this. It must be! Brave was Ahssaf, j^et he felt Both fear and awe. Around him he beheld 1010 Huge palaces of amber, which arose High in the brightening waters, while the suns Would gleam, perchance, upon a coral dome. Or on a tower of amber, set with pearls. 7 98 SULEYMAHN IBN DAHOOD. Nor these were unadorned. Around them waved 1015 The sea-grass, and the gorgeous purple weeds, And green and olive. Here the ocean zones bo Restrict not aught that's lovely in their bounds, And let them rove no further; everywhere The ocean plants are spread, and 'mid them coiled, 1020 The glorious worms of green and gold and red,*' Entwine their glittering rainbow