MOHAMMED AT DAMASCUS.
“The district of Damascus is the best watered and most pleasant
of all Syria. The Arabs term it one of the four paradises of
the East, and relate that Mohammed, as he viewed from an
eminence the splendour of the city of which he wished to take
possession, hesitated to enter it, because he knew that man
can enjoy only one paradise, and he had resolved that his
should not be in the earth. The three other paradises are
the valley of Bawan, the river Obollah, and Sogd, near
Samarcand.”—Rosenmüller,—Geography of Central Asia.
On the hill above Damascus stands the prophet, and looks down
On the blooming groves and gardens that embower the pleasant town.
Level on each tower and temple lies the mellow evening light,—
Brazen domes and marble columns, tipped with crosses, flashing bright.
Mingling chimes float softly upwards through the air in cadence sweet;
On the ear the city voices in one hollow murmur beat.
Near him stand his turbaned Moslems, each with scymitar and lance,
Raised to rush upon the city when the prophet signs advance.
Ali's foam-flecked horse snorts loudly, champs the bit, and curves his ear;
And his master cries—“O prophet! wherefore stand we gazing here?
“Allah, of a truth, abandons this fair town into our hands;
“And for us its fame and glory have gone forth through all the lands.
“Every sword but waits thy signal, and as soon as it is given,
“Islam holds the loveliest city on which laughs the light of Heaven!”
“Nay, my son!” the prophet answered, “had He willed we should go there,
“Never to his children's glances would the place have seemed so fair.
“He hath said that for His chosen blooms no paradise but one,—
“In a sphere beyond the courses of our earthly stars and sun.
“Unto those who look no higher may these happy seats be given;
“But let all the true believers seek their heritage in Heaven!”
