Salomon ibn Gabirol
vers 1021-vers 1058 11th century
Praise that knows it will not reach its object, and complaint that dares be spoken inside the prayer.
Who was Salomon ibn Gabirol?
A Jewish poet and philosopher of Andalusia, orphaned early and never in good health, he lived on the protection of patrons he kept losing through plain speaking. He wrote liturgical poems in Hebrew that synagogues still sing, and in Arabic a philosophical treatise the Latin West read for centuries without knowing a Jew had written it. His great poem, the Royal Crown, is still read on the night of the Day of Atonement.
In their own words
At the dawn I seek Thee, Rock and refuge tried, in due service speak Thee morn and eventide.
Thou art One, the first of every number, and the foundation of every structure. Thou art One, and at the mystery of Thy Oneness the wise of heart are struck dumb, for they know not what it is.
Thou art God, and all things formed are Thy servants and worshippers. Yet is not Thy glory diminished by reason of those that worship aught beside Thee, for the yearning of them all is to draw nigh Thee.