Classic Poem

When from Libra moves the Sun,
Winter then displays his banner;
See his flag the Star Canopus
Which now stands forth in the skies.
Weakened by the summer's heat,
Fresh and strong becomes the world;
Keen desire for food returns,
Sweet the taste that water gives.
Side by side with arms entwining,
Lip by lip, the lovers sit.
Welcome now is heavy clothing,
The prancing steed the saddle takes;
Yet the youth feels not his armour,
Nor the steed his trapping's weight.
He whose heart is for the chase,
Glad is he this time has come.
From the north the wild-fowl trooping,
To the south their way are making.
From Swat now returns the Falcon,
Like travelled Jogis coming home.
By the radiant moonlight marching,
Scream the Herons in the skies.
Geese and ducks are all around us,
Countless are the water-birds.
Leaves his hills now the rock-partridge,
On the peasant's grain to feed.
Is it falcon, hawk, or kestrel?
On each the sportsman lays his hand.
Some are forth in search of hunting,
Others seek the garden's show.
The Cent-foil opens wide its blossoms,
Brighter than Saffron's tints are they.
Many are the colours of the Abasi,
White and yellow the Arghawan.
The flowers of the Champa spread their scent
To the top of every bush.
Bright as is their show of verdure,
Still greater that of the sweet Basil.
With its young and tender branches,
Mottled show each tree presents.
The Bulbul now and Parrot too,
Call with joy from every side.
Than this season's joys wilt thou
Greater hardly find in Heaven;
To me in truth I say this season
Takes the prize from that of spring-tide.
Before me now for months lies freedom,
Beyond spring nothing but restraint.
Welcome art thou to Khush-hal,
O Yaman's star, I live by thee.
When thou showest forth thyself,
Then my happiness is full.