HADRAMAUTI

Who knows the heart of the Christian? How

does he reason?

What are his measures and balances? Which

is his season

For laughter, forbearance or bloodshed, and what devils move him

When he arises to smite us? I do not love him.

He asks of us news of the household whom we

reckon nameless.

Certainly Allah created him forty-fold shameless.

So it is not in the Desert. One came to me weeping

The Avenger of Blood on his track - I took him

in keeping,

Demanding not whom he had slain, I refreshed him, I fed him

As he were even a brother. But Eblis had bred him.

He was the son of an ape, ill at ease in his cloth

ing,

He talked with his head, hands and feet. I endured him with loathing

Whatever his spirit conceived his countenance showed it

As a frog shows in a mud-puddle. Yet I abode it!

I fingered my beard and was dumb, in silence confronting him.

His soul was too shallow for silence, e'en with Death hunting him.

I said: "Tis his weariness speaks" but, when he had rested,

He chirped in my face like some sparrow, and, presently, jested!

Wherefore slew I that stranger? He brought me dishonour.

I saddled my mare, Bijli, I set him upon her.

I

gave

him rice and goat's flesh. He bared me to laughter.

When he was gone from my tent, swift I followed

after,

Taking my sword in my hand. The hot wine had filled him.

Under the stars he mocked me — therefore I killed him!

GALLIO'S SONG

(And Gallio cared for none of these things.

Acts xviii, 17)

All day long to the judgment-seat
The crazed Provincials drew —
All day long at their ruler's feet
Howled for the blood of the Jew.
Insurrection with one accord

Banded itself and woke,

And Paul was about to open his mouth When Achaia's Deputy spoke

"Whether the God descend from above
Or the Man ascend upon high,

Whether this maker of tents be Jove
Or a younger deity

I will be no judge between your gods
And your godless bickerings.

Lictor, drive them hence with rods
I care for none of these things!

Were it a question of lawful due
Or Cæsar's rule denied,

Reason would I should bear with you

And order it well to be tried;

But this is a question of words and names. I know the strife it brings.

I will not pass upon any your claims.

I care for none of these things.

One thing only I see most clear,

As I pray you also see.

Claudius Cæsar hath set me here

Rome's Deputy to be.

It is Her peace that ye go to break

Not mine, nor any king's,

But, touching your clamour of "Conscience sake,"

I care for none of these things.

Whether ye rise for the sake of a creed,

Or riot in hope of spoil,

Equally will I punish the deed,

Equally check the broil;

Nowise permitting injustice at all

From whatever doctrine it springs

But whether ye follow Priapus or Paul,

I care for none of these things."