Solomon ibn Gabirol: The Sun

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Sacred Poetry from Around the World

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The Sun

by Solomon ibn Gabirol
(1021? - 1058) Timeline

English version by
Israel Zangwill

Original Language
Hebrew

Jewish

11th Century

Like a bridegroom the sun
Dons his robe that is spun
     Of light,
Which from Thee emanated
Yet in no wise abated
     Thy light.

Taught to go westward round
With obeisance profound
     To his Lord,
He by service so loyal
To a master so royal
     Is a lord.

While his homage each day
Serves to mark and display
     Thy glory,
'Tis Thy hand that investeth
The robe on which resteth
     His glory.

Themes

King

Light

Sun

Recommended Books

	The Heart and the Fountain: An Anthology of Jewish Mystical Experiences, by Joseph Dan
	Music of a Distant Drum: Classical Arabic, Persian, Turkish & Hebrew Poems, Translated by Bernard Lewis
	The Penguin Book of Hebrew Verse, Edited by T. Carmi
	Poetry for the Spirit: Poems of Universal Wisdom and Beauty, Edited by Alan Jacobs

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Poetry Chaikhana Sacred Poetry from Around the World

Poetry Chaikhana
Sacred Poetry from Around the World