Poetry was significant in pre-Islamic civilization, with the poet, or sha'ir, acting as historian, soothsayer, and propagandist. Some of the most popular kinds of early poetry appear to have been words in favor of the tribe (qit'ah) and lampoons belittling rival tribes (hija'). There were also dirges for the dead. In the aftermath of the Prophet Muhammad's revelation, Arabic poetry took on a new dimension, as scholars and saints developed a desire to express themselves in verse. Many poems by Muslim authors reflect their devotion to God and the Prophet. These include "The Dove" by Abu al-Qasim al-Shabbazani, which compares humanity to a dove trapped inside a bottle, unable to fly free; and "The Lute" by 'Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf al-Jazni', who paints a picture of human life as a dream that ends in death. Early poetry was often set to music; indeed, many songs found in the classical canon of Arabic literature have roots that date back to the Prophet's era. Poets used these melodies to paint pictures with words and convey messages about religion, love, and politics. For example, several poems by courtly lovers in Baghdad show evidence of being set to music. One of these is 'The Doves' by Abul Abbas Ahmad al-Tartusi, who lived in 9th-century Baghdad.