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)
"The Wretch Paused", by Abu Nuwas
hubb (love), khamr (intoxiction)
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)
"Don't cry for Layla", by Abu Nuwas
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)
"to Sayf al-Dawla", by al-Mutanabbi
al-Hubb al-Ilahi (Divine love), sukr (spiritual intoxication)
I have two loves for you: a love born of attraction, \\ And a love that is your due.
As for the love resulting from attraction, \\ It is that I have thoughts of you and of none other.
As for the love that you command by right, \\ It is your stripping of the veils so I may see you.
And praise for this or that is not due me -- \\ Yours in the praise alike for this and that.
--Rabi`a al-`Adawiyya (d. 801)
"My cup and my wine, by Rabi`a al-`Adawiyya"
