Classic Poem

Stay at home! No obligation
I account the Pilgrimage,
Lady, on thy sex in virgin
Youth nor yet in wedded age.

Mecca's valley breeds the worst of
Miscreants, who never feel
Fierceness to defend the weaker,
Never flame with knightly zeal.

Men of Shaiba, temple-guardians,
Standing there bemused with wine,
Shove the pilgrim-folk in couples
Through the gateway of the Shrine.

When the people throng around it,
Leave to enter they refuse
None that slips a piece of silver—
Christians jostle in with Jews.

Lady, canst thou do a kindness?
Bless, then, having power to bless,
And if charity invite thee
To a good act, answer “Yes!”