Classic Poem

Of the Pathans that are famed in the land of Roh,
Now-a-days are the Mohmunds, the Bangash, and the Warrakzaies, and the Afridis.
The dogs of the Mohmunds are better than the Bangash,
Though the Mohmunds themselves are a thousand times worse than dogs.
The Warrakzaies are the scavengers of the Afridis,
Though the Afridis, one and all, are but scavengers themselves.
This is the truth of the best of the dwellers in the lands of the Pathans,
Of those worse than these who would say that they were men?
No good qualities are there in the Pathans that are now living:
All that were of any worth are imprisoned in the grave.
In these days of all Pathans the Mohmunds are the best;
This indeed is apparent to all who know them.
He of whom the Moguls say, “He is loyal to us.”
God forbid the shame of such should be concealed!
Let the Pathans drive all thought of honour from their hearts;
For these are ensnared by the baits the Moguls have put before them.