No. XVI Translation of the Song of the Fezzanneers, on Boo Khaloom’s Death
“Oh! trust not to the gun and the sword! The spear of the unbeliever prevails!
“Boo Khaloom, the good and the brave, has fallen! Who shall be safe? Even as the moon amongst the little stars, so was Boo Khaloom amongst men! Where shall Fezzan now look for her protector? Men hang their heads in sorrow, while women wring their hands, rending the air with their cries! As a shepherd is to his flock, so was Boo Khaloom to Fezzan!
“Give him songs! Give him music! What words can equal his praise? His heart was as large as the desert! His coffers were like the rich overflowings from the udder of the she-camel, comforting and nourishing those around him!
“Even as the flowers without rain perish in the field, so will Fezzaneers droop; for Boo Khaloom returns no more!
“His body lies in the land of the heathen! The poisoned arrow of the unbeliever prevails!
“Oh! trust not to the gun, and the sword! the spear of the heathen conquers. Boo Khaloom, the good and the brave, has fallen! Who shall now be safe?”
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