Of threads of palm was the carpet spun 

 Whereon he kneels when the day is done, 

 And the foreheads of Islam are bowed as one ! 



To him the palm is a gift divine, 

 Wherein all uses of man combine, 

 House and raiment and food and wine ! 



And, in the hour of his great release, 

 His need of the palm shall only cease 

 With the shroud wherein he lieth in peace. 



"Allah il Allah!" he sings his psalm, 

 On the Indian Sea, by the isles of balm; 

 "Thanks to Allah, who gives the palm!" 



WHITTIER: The Palm-Tree. 



