Al-Hariri of Basra

Abū Muhammad al-Qāsim ibn Alī ibn Muhammad ibn Uthmān al-Harīrī (1054– 9 September 1122) was an Arab poet, scholar of the Arabic language and a high government official of the Seljuk Empire.

Serugium
My native soil's Serugium,
 * Where flows the stream of happiness.

The produce there of high esteem:
 * The mart of plenty justly nam'd.

The waters exquisitely sweet:
 * Like those that spring from paradise.

The deserts to the eye appear,
 * Like verdant meadows beautiful.

Th'inhabitants and houses shine,
 * Like stars and starry mansions bright.

The air they breath delicious smells:
 * The prospect pleasing, large and wide.

The highest hills are strew'd with flow'rs,
 * When once the sun dissolves the snow.

Visit Serugium - you'll see
 * The feat of this world's paradise.


 * Maqamat of al-Hariri, translated by Leonard Chappelow, p. 17

Response to a stranger's request

 * Thou'rt not the first night-wand'rer, Deceive'd by treach'rous moon-light: Nor the first starv'd Purveyor, Pleas'd with the spacious surface Of dunghill's outward verdure, The greedy eye attracting: When all within is nauseous. In choosing a companion, Thy choice, I find, directs thee To one of diff'rent aspect; For I am like old Moaid, Deform'd in ev'ry member. Hear then what I shall dictate; But let thine eye not see me; For prejudice will frustrate The wisest, best instructions.
 * Maqamat of al-Hariri, translated by Leonard Chappelow