Poems of James Clarence Mangan (Many hitherto uncollected): Centenary edition: Edited, with preface and notes by D. J. O'Donoghue: Introduction by John Mitchel |
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THE WORST LOSS. |
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 | Poems of James Clarence Mangan |  |
THE WORST LOSS.
I
“Merchant! I have lost the bright and beauteousJewelled shawl thou soldest me so lately.”
—“Art, my lord, is in these days a duteous
And withal a most industrious handmaid.
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Finer shawl, believe me, at command made.”
—“Thanks, good Merchant! Make me, then, I pray thee,
A much finer shawl, and I will pay thee!”
II
“Architect! my handsome country villaYesterday took fire, and nought could save it.
It now lies a ruin!”—“Allah-el-illah!
Fire, like Air, will find or force expansion—
Fire must burn, and woodwork may not brave it!
But—I'll build thee a far handsomer mansion.”
—“Thanks, good Architect! The cost may make me
Poorer, but, Inshallah! 'twill not break me.”
III
“Boatman! I have dropped a golden casketOf rich pearls (my whole wealth) in this river.
I shall die!”—“Not so! Take up a basket,
And hawk figs! The river hath bereft thee
But of rubbish. Thank the Bounteous Giver
Of all Good that Health and Hope are left thee,
And be calm!”—“Well, Boatman, thou advisest!
Action, Action, is in all states wisest!”
IV
“Hakim! All thy skill proves unavailing—Lo! he dies! My charming boy hath perished!”
—“Be consoled, my friend, and cease thy wailing—
This dear youth departs to another Father.
Four sons, too, are left thee yet, as cherished,
And more charming still. O! learn to gather
Flowers amid thorns, and Comfort from bereavements—
Peace and Patience are Life's true achievements!”
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V
“Moolah! Moolah! I feel broken-hearted.”—“And why so, son? Whence this bitter anguish?”
—“All is gone! My last stay hath departed,
I have lost my Name!”—“Oh, wretched mortal!
Lost thy name! Then, henceforth must thou languish
In lone woe, shut out from Hope's last portal!
Go, and consecrate thy soul to God by Sorrow,
For on thy Life's Night shall never dawn a Morrow!”
| Poems of James Clarence Mangan | |