Slave's Prayer

‘Why do your priests,’ said to me after prayers A Turkish hero of the faith, ‘drag out Their genuflexions so?

That free-born Muslim, that plain warrior, What kind of thing slaves’ prayers are

In this world A thousand tasks lie ready for the free, In whom the love of high deeds burns and forges The nations and their laws;

but that fire never Touches the bondman’s limbs, whose nights and days Stand still under an interdict.

If our Prostrations are long-drawn, why should you wonder?

God teach His ministers in India A way of worship that shall be to all His people an evangel of new life!