Yishaq ben Mar-Saul
(11th century) Spain
Poet
There was much homoerotic poetry in both Arabic and Hebrew writing in
Muslim medieval Spain The basic texts of the Hebrew poets are discussed by Norman Roth in a brilliant article.
Yishaq ben Mar-Saul (also spelled Isaac ibn Mar Saúl) was born at Lucena, Spain. He apparently was the first Hebrew poet to have written in this genre. It should be noted that in both Hebrew and Arabic poetry of the period, "gazelle" (sevi) is a metaphore for a young male.
Gazelle desired in Spain wondrously formed,
Given rule and dominion over every living thing.
Lovely of form like the moon with beautiful stature
Curls of purple upon shining temple.
Like Joseph in his form like Adoniah his hair
Lovely of eyes like David, he has slain me like Uriah
He has enflamed my passions and consumed my heart with fire.
Because of him I've been left without understanding and wisdom.
Weep with me every ostrich and every hawk and falcon!
The beloved of my soul has slain me - is this a just sentence
...
Because of him my soul is sick, perplexed and yearning.
His speech upon my heart is like dew upon a parches land.
Draw me from the pit of destruction that I go down to Hell.
From: Norman Roth, "Deal Gently with the young man": Love of Boys in Medieval Hebrew Poetry of Spain, Speculum 57:1, 1982, pp. 20-51
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