The Call To Evening Prayer

By Sarojini Naidu

Allah ho Akbar! Allah ho Akbar!
From mosque and minar the muezzins are calling;
Pour forth your praises, O Chosen of Islam;
Swiftly the shadows of sunset are falling:
Allah ho Akbar! Allah ho Akbar!

Ave Maria! Ave Maria!
Devoutly the priests at the altars are singing,
O'ye who worship the Son of the Virgin,
Kneel soft at your prayers for the vespers are ringing:
Ave Maria! Ave Maria!

Ahura Mazda! Ahura Mazda!
How the sonorous Avesta is flowing!
Ye, who to Flame and the Light make obeisance,
Bend low where the quenchless blue torches are glowing:
Ahura Mazda! Ahura Mazda!
Naray'yana! Naray'yana!
Hark to the ageless, divine invocation!
Lift up your hands, O ye children of Brahma,
Lift up your voices in rapt adoration:
Naray'yana! Naray'yana!

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