| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895. |
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| A Lesson of Mercy |
| | | George Murray |
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| BENEATH a palm-tree by a clear cool spring | |
| God’s Prophet, Mahomet, lay slumbering, | |
| Till, roused by chance, he saw before him stand | |
| A foeman, Durther, scimitar in hand. | |
| The chieftain bade the startled sleeper rise; | 5 |
| And with a flame of triumph in his eyes, | |
| “Who now can save thee, Mahomet?” he cried. | |
| “God,” said the Prophet, “God, my friend and guide.” | |
| Awe-struck the Arab dropped his naked sword, | |
| Which, grasped by Mahomet, defied its lord: | 10 |
| And, “Who can save thee now thy blade is won?” | |
| Exclaimed the Prophet. Durther answered, “None!” | |
| Then spake the victor: “Though thy hands are red | |
| With guiltless blood unmercifully shed, | |
| I spare thy life, I give thee back thy steel: | 15 |
| Henceforth, compassion for the helpless feel.” | |
| And thus the twain, unyielding foes of yore, | |
| Clasped hands in token that their feud was o’er. | |
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