The Song of Hindustani Minstrel by Henry Louis Vivian Derozio (Poem)

The Song of Hindustani Minstrel

by Henry Louis Vivian Derozio

(Poem)

 

The Song of Hindustani Minstrel

I

With surmah tinge the black eye’s fringe,

‘Twill sparkle like a star;

With roses dress each raven tress,

My only loved Dildar!

 

II

Dildar! There’s many a valued pearl

In richest Oman’s sea;

But none, my fair Cashmerian girl!

O! none can rival thee.

 

III

In Busrah there is many a rose

Which many a maid may seek,

But who shall find a flower which blows

Like that upon thy cheek?

 

IV

In verdant realms, ‘neath sunny skies,

With witching minstrelsy,

We’ll favour find in all young eyes,

And all shall welcome thee.

 

V

Around us now there’s but the night,

The heaven alone above;

But soon we’ll dwell in cities bright,

Then cheer thee, cheer thee, love!

 

VI

The heart eternally is blest

Where hope eternal springs;

Then hush thy sorrows all to rest,

We’ll treat the courts of kings.

 

VII

In palace halls our strains we’ll raise,

There all our songs shall flow;

Come cheer thee, sweet! for better days

Shall dawn upon our woe.

 

VIII

Nay weep not, love! thou shouldst not weep,

The world is all our home;

Life’s watch together we shall keep,

We’ll love where’er we roam.

 

IX

Like birds from land to land we’ll range,

And with our sweet sitar,

Our hearts the same, though worlds may change,

We’ll live, and love, Dildar!