Classic Poem

Akbar sate high in the ivory hall,
His chief musician he bade them call;
Sing, said the king, that song of glee.
 Taza ba taza, now ba now.
Sing me that music sweet and free,
 Taza ba taza, now ba now;
Here by the fountain sing it thou,
 Taza ba taza, now ba now.

Bending full low, his minstrel took
The Vina down from its painted nook,
Swept the strings of silver so
 Taza ba taza, now ba now;
Made the gladsome Vina go
 Taza ba taza, now ba now;
Sang with light strains and brightsome brow
 Taza ba taza, now ba now.

“What is the lay for love most fit?
What is the melody echoes it?
Ever in tune and ever meet,
 Taza ba taza, now ba now;
Ever delightful and ever sweet
 Taza ba taza, now ba now;
Soft as the murmur of love's first vow,
 Taza ba taza, now ba now.”

“What is the bliss that is best on earth?
Lovers' light whispers and tender mirth;
Bright gleams the sun on the Green Sea's isle,
But a brighter light has a woman's smile:
Ever, like sunrise, fresh of hue,
 Taza ba taza, now ba now;
Ever, like sunset, splendid and new,
 Taza ba taza, now ba now.”

“Thereunto groweth the graceful vine
To cool the lips of lovers with wine,
Haste thee and bring the amethyst cup,
That happy lovers may drink it up;
And so renew their gentle play,
 Taza ba taza, now ba now;
Ever delicious and new alway,
 Taza ba taza, now ba now.”

“Thereunto sigheth the evening gale
To freshen the cheeks which love made pale;
This is why bloometh the scented flower,
To gladden with grace love's secret bower:
Love is the zephyr that always blows,
 Taza ba taza, now ba now;
Love is the rose-bloom that ever glows,
 Taza ba taza, now ba now.”

Akbar, the mighty one, smiled to hear
The musical strain so soft and clear;
Danced the diamonds over his brow
 To taza ba taza, now ba now:
His lovely ladies rocked in a row
 To taza ba taza, now ba now;

Livelier sparkled the fountain's flow,
 Boose sittan ba kaum uzo;
Swifter and sweeter the strings did go,
 Mutrib i khoosh nuwa bejo;
Never such singing was heard, I trow;
 Taza ba taza, now ba now.