By Ibn 'Abd Rabbihi (860-940)
Translated by Cola Franzen
I have never seen
nor heard of such a thing
her modesty turns
pearl into carnelian.
Her face is so clear
that when you gaze
on its perfections
you see your own face
reflected.
'IBN `ABD RABBIHI [Abu `Umar Ahmad ibn Mahommed ibn 'Abd
Rabbihi] (860-940), Arabian poet, was born in Cordova and descended from a
freed slave of Hisham, the second Spanish Omayyad caliph. He enjoyed a great
reputation for learning and eloquence. Ibn Abd Rabbihi received a traditional
Muslim education. His few surviving poems are preserved in the Unique Book of
Modern Poets by al-Thualibi. In these poems, love themes alternate with ascetic
motifs. His well-known prose anthology, A Rare Necklace, consisting of 25
chapters (“jewels”), contains information on the history and literature of the
caliphate during the seventh and eighth centuries.
The imagery of turning pearl into carnelian gemstone by her
modesty is refreshingly original and striking.
Ref: Poems of Arab Andalusia [Paperback] Cola Franzen (Translator)
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