Page 128 - 9th-language-english-2

POETRY

Before you read

The following are a few words related to being kind or sym-
Not to be republished
pathetic to somebody. Find the meaning of these words from a
dictionary.

Pity, forgive, condole, console, grant, amnesty, com-
©KTBS
passion, mercy, lament, pardon, reprieve, solace, asylum.

Introduction

(In this poem, Yussouf believes that everything belongs to
God, not to individuals. He offers his home to a complete stranger.
He also offers the stranger a horse and some gold. The stranger
is overwhelmed by this kindness and admits that he killed Yus-
souf’s son. Yussouf offers him some more gold instead of getting
angry and thanks the stranger for allowing him to avenge his
son’s death.

The poem emphasizes the qualities of kindness and gener-
osity which lead us to happiness in life.)

Nobleness Enkindleth Nobleness

- James Russell Lowell

A stranger came one night to Yussouf’s tent,

Saying, “Behold one outcast and in dread,
Against whose life the bow of power is bent,
Who flies, and hath not where to lay his head;

I come to thee for shelter and for food,
To Yussouf, called through all our tribes, “The Good.” 6

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