ABSTRACT
Let me be from hunting cranes! Now, all I wish to hunt are renegades; Whether in mountain caves they rest or on the high and mighty crest. When the heat of mid-day burns the track, My shade will be the fluttering battle-flag. I need no time in gardens, in lofty palaces spent Give me but the desert and the campaign tent. To those who sleep on feather cushions say: Glory only comes from the rigours of the way: So seek them in the midst of strife Lest you be most worthless being of life!
‘Abd al-Raḥmān ibn Mu‘āwiya ibn Hishām (the emir ‘Abd al-Raḥmān I) born Syria 113/731, died Cordova 172/788
