SUNDAY REVIEW / A POEM FROM THE MIDDLE AGES

By Ibn al-Farid from his work "The Khamriyyah." 

 Translated from the Arabic by Leonard Chalmers-Hunt. 

 i There is a vineyard planted by the Lord, ’Tis nigh to all who dwell in sweet accord— Who drink the Cup of Blessings manifold, The Living Wine by Prophecy foretold. 

 ii A Parable of Life doth crown the Vine, Each purple cluster forms a mystic sign, The Passion-flower doth yield in that fair Land Blossoms of comfort for the Pilgrim band. 

 iii As when the ruby in the Crystal Cup Glows with encrimson’d light when lifted up While th’ attendant with obsequious hand, Pours out a measure at the guest’s command. 

 iv So doth the sun that bathes the world in light Shed paler glory on the moon at night. Whose crescent is the symbol of man’s birth, Whose Fulness marks his Zenith on the earth. 

 v Imperial knowledge shines with visions bright When it is worship of the Infinite, Like water mix’d with wine, some understand And reach like children for their Father’s hand. 

 vi Like an Oasis in far desert land, Its Tavern by spice-laden breezes fann’d, That guide the grateful trav’ller when astray, As they have guided me, tho’ far away. 

vii Or, when grey shadows of Night’s Last Watch fly Ere Dawn’s pale flush illumes the Orient sky, So doth heart feel, and fervent impulse glow, With loveliest imagery that thought can know. 

 viii For in that hallow’d Vintage lies the sense! That brings the wayfarer his recompense, No vain imaginings could e’er have found, The Source that giveth Light to all around. 

 ix E’en as the essence of the Lotus-flower That philters thro’ the gardens hour by hour In ancient Egypt—Lo! it’s quick’ning breath Makes wise the meek, and triumphs over Death. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Ibn al-Fāriḍ (1181–1235) was a celebrated Arab poet and mystic, widely regarded as one of the greatest Sufi poets in Islamic literature. Born in Cairo, Egypt, his most famous works include the "Wine Ode" (Khamriyya) and "The Poem of the Sufi Way" (Nazm al-Sulūk), which explore themes of divine love, spiritual intoxication, and union with God. Ibn al-Fāriḍ’s poetry is known for its emotional intensity, rich symbolism, and metaphysical depth, making him a cornerstone of classical Arabic poetry and mystical literature to this day.