All men upon this poor earth must die
Each soul that liveth twixt earth and sky
The angel heeds not the orphan's cry
And so did death take the prince of men.

Sick did he lie in his widow's house
His fever grave, nursed by that spouse
The people silent around his house
And so did death take the prince of men.

The time is come, said that Prophet dear
But come to me and gather near
Ere I pass on, do my counsel hear
For soon must death take the prince of men.

In seven vessels from seven springs
In bringing water that good earth brings
They loved him more than all earthly things
But soon must death take the prince of men.

Said he, I choose the Exalted Friend
A peace and blessing that shall not end
I go ahead, you my way shall wend,
For soon must death take the prince of men.

Enshroud me in these clothes of mine
This woollen mantle of plain design
Let perfume please my Lord Divine
For soon must death take the prince of men.

They asked, And who'll lay you in your grave?
Said he: My family, bold and brave,
With angels who their hearts shall lave.
And so did death take the prince of men.

He bade his daughter to come so near
And then he whispered close in her ear
They saw her tears, and then her good cheer
And so did death take the prince of men.

Though loved he died, but we meet again
Amid the terrors of Judgement Plain
His intercession breaks our chain
Call grace and peace on the prince of men.


Music: An Innis Aigh; Performed by Eric MacFadden.

Source: Gleams from the Rawdat
Al-Shuhada' (Garden of the Martyrs) of Husayn Vaiz Kashifi Prepared for English Recital by Abdal Hakim Murad.