Al-Nabigha

Al-Nābighah, al-Nābighah al-Dhubiyānī, or Nābighah al-Dhubyānī; real name Ziyad ibn Muawiyah (c. 535 – c. 604); was one of the last Arabian poets of pre-Islamic times. "Al-Nabigha" means "genius" in Arabic.

Poetry

 * Not even the Euphrates, agitated by a storm Its waves throwing their foam on the shores, When it is filled up by overflowing, tempestuous wadis, Carrying broken branches and brushwood with them, When the sailor, terrified, clings to his oars After continuous troubles and toils, Is more powerful then Al-Nu'man bestowing favours, Nor is yesterday's gift in the way of today's present. This is my praise for you, If you are pleased with it, I did not offer it– may you never be cursed! – for gain. Nay, it is my apology, And if it is of no avail, Then its poet is afflicted by misfortune, indeed.
 * Diwan Nabigha, Chapter III, p. 44-47 and also quoted in Classical Traditions and Modern Meanings, p. 32