| Arthur Quiller-Couch, comp. The Oxford Book of Victorian Verse. 1922. | | | | The Fair Circassian | | By Richard Garnett (1835–1906) |
| | | FORTY Viziers saw I go | |
| Up to the Seraglio, | |
| Burning, each and every man, | |
| For the fair Circassian. | |
| |
| Ere the morn had disappear’d, | 5 |
| Every Vizier wore a beard; | |
| Ere the afternoon was born, | |
| Every Vizier came back shorn. | |
| |
| ‘Let the man that woos to win | |
| Woo with an unhairy chin:’ | 10 |
| Thus she said, and as she bid | |
| Each devoted Vizier did. | |
| |
| From the beards a cord she made, | |
| Loop’d it to the balustrade, | |
| Glided down and went away | 15 |
| To her own Circassia. | |
| |
| When the Sultan heard, wax’d he | |
| Somewhat wroth, and presently | |
| In the noose themselves did lend | |
| Every Vizier did suspend. | 20 |
| |
| Sages all, this rhyme who read, | |
| Of your beards take prudent heed, | |
| And beware the wily plans | |
| Of the fair Circassians. | | | | |
|
|
