To A Detractor. (Translations From The Hebrew Poets Of Medaeval Spain.)

The Autumn promised, and he keeps     His word unto the meadow-rose.     The pure, bright lightnings herald Spring,     Serene and glad the fresh earth shows.     The rain has quenched her children's thirst,     Her cheeks, but now so cold and dry,     Are soft and fair, a laughing face;     With clouds of purple shines the sky,     Though filled with light, yet veiled with haze.     Hark! hark! the turtle's mocking note     Outsings the valley-pigeon's lays.     Her wings are gemmed, and from her throat,     When the clear sun gleams back again,     It seems to me as though she wore     About her neck a jewelled chain.     Say, wilt thou darken such a light,     Wilt drag the clouds from heaven's height?     Although thy heart with anger swell,     Yet firm as marble mine doth dwell.     Therein no fear thy wrath begets.     It is not shaken by thy threats.     Yea, hurl thy darts, thy weapons wield,     The strength of youth is still my shield.     My winged steed toward the heights doth bound,     The dust whiffs upward from the ground;     My song is scanty, dost thou deem     Thine eloquence a mighty stream?     Only the blameless offering.     Not the profusion man may bring,     Prevaileth with our Lord and King.     The long days out of minutes grow,     And out of months the years arise,     Wilt thou be master of the wise,     Then learn the hidden stream to know,     That from the inmost heart doth flow. Solomon Ben Judah Gabirol (Died Between 1070-80.)