Two Glasses by Ibn al-Tilmidh

Through my life I have gone with two glasses, And depended on them at all passes; The one glass was filled up with ink, The other was filled with wine pink: By the one, my wisdom I proved; By the other, my heart’s pains I subdued. Ibn al-Tilmidh (1074-1165) was a Christian Arab physician and … Continue reading Two Glasses by Ibn al-Tilmidh →

A translation of Antara

I reproach an age that does not bend to reproaching,And plead for security from calamities approaching.Promised by the days a promise that deceived me—I know well it was but the promise of mendacity.I served a people and took on relationsTo aid me, and yet they became as scorpions. — Antara,1 I reproach an age (my … Continue reading A translation of Antara →

English politicians described

Here let those reign, whom Pensions can inciteTo vote a Patriot black, a Courtier white; Explain their Country's dear-bought Rights away,And plead for Pirates in the Face of Day;With slavish Tenets taint our poison'd Youth,And lend a Lye the Confidence of Truth. – Samuel Johnson, London (1738).