LADY

THE THREE MOST CELEBRATED IMPROVISATORI POETS IN BAGDAD, AT AN ENTERTAINMENT GIVEN BY ABU ISY, SON OF THE KHALIF MOTAWAKKEL COLLECTION PART FOUR

BY : RAIS

Translated into English Verse by J. D. Carlyle, BD

AH! I mourn no fancied wound;

   Pangs too true this heart have wrung,

 Since the snakes which curl around

   Selim's brows my bosom stung.

Destined now to keener woes,

   I must see the youth depart;

 He must go, and, as he goes,

   Rend at once my bursting heart.

Slumber may desert my bed;

   'Tis not slumber's charms I seek:

 'Tis the robe of beauty spread

   O'er my Selim's rosy cheek.