Abbasid poetry

Sukhriyya (satire)

Ask him who weeps over a razed encampment \\ Upstanding, "Where's the harm if he sat down?"

--Abu Nuwwas (d. c. 810)

Wine (khamr)

Better than standing over ruins \\ Is a cup of wine toping inebriety

Which a black-eyed one, slender-waisted \\

Well-proportioned, and full-hipped

Passes round youths not one of whom is intemperate, \\ Or vile, or given to sin.

As it goes round in his hand and comes into view, \\ You perceive in it the like of torches

--Abu Nuwwas (d. c. 810)

Hammasa (valour)

Live proudly! Or else die honourably \\ Amid the thrusting lances and the fluttering pennants,

For spearheads are best for dispelling rage \\ Or quenching the thirst of rancorous breasts.

--al-Mutanabbi (c, 915-965)

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