Ahmed's song of farewell

Farewell, farewell to all!

Sunlight and twilight, the hour belov'd of Allah.

Farewell, farewell the Desert;

farewell, Life and Love, and thou, Almona!

Never so stately a star

Rode the fair mansions of Heav'n;

Gods gather'd beauties afar,

Mine at her dark eyes were giv'n:

Matchless in beauty and grace,

Perfect in body and soul.

Deserts shall dream of her face,

Long as the ages shall roll.

Here in the heart of the hills,

Mark how a Saracen fell!

Love! how it stifles and kills,

Ah, my Almona, Farewell!