Classic Poem

Though the maids of Cashmere are famous for their beauty,
And those of China and Machin and Tartary,
Yet the Pathan maidens whom with my own eyes I have gazed on,
They would put all such to shame.
On score of beauty, this is the sum of all their praises—
That of Jacob's lineage and descent are they;
No need have they of musk or of Rose-water;
There is the fragrance itself of The Perfumer with their prayers five times a day.
What of Necklaces or Jewels or other ornaments?
All such beside their tresses are of no account.
What of brocaded veils and robes of scarlet muslin?
Not to be compared are they to their white snoods.
The beauty of their nature exceeds that of their appearance;
Sweeter far are their secret charms than their external.
All their time is spent in privacy and seclusion:
Never are they seen in public with persons half-exposed.
From modesty they can scarce raise up their eyes.
No experience ever theirs of hard word or blows.
I, Khush-hal, have but little told of much,
Prate no further on this matter which is boundless.