The Pilgrims XXXIV.

The Pilgrims hail the Kaaba's sacred Ground,

When they at last the holy Fane have found.

They see a House of Stone, sublime, revered,

All girt by steep and barren Cliffs around.

They march'd in Hope expecting God to see;

For this they toiled, and still their Prayers abound.

But when all fervent they the Threshold tread,

They hear a voice from out the Temple sound:

'Why pray ye thus, O Fools, to Clay and Stone?

Revere the House for which the Pure are bound.

The Heart's own House, Shrine of the True, the One:

O blest are they whose Striving there is crown'd!

Blest those who tread no Desert's weary Way,

But rest at Home in peace, like Shems renown'd.'[28]