C.D. Warner, et al., comp.
The Library of the World’s Best Literature. An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.

Foozooli

(Turkish)

Translation in Dublin University Magazine

I AM Bhang, a magnificent name—

A globe of light—a pillar of flame—

A bridge of pearl—a dome of gold—

A guide to mysteries untold—

A talisman for young and old.

I am smooth as Iran’s marble,

Green as Oman’s glassy deep;

When I please I lull and warble

Shahs themselves to sleep.

Nobles flock to my ancient college,

From north and west, and the furthest distance,

For I alone give a lucid knowledge

Of Nature, Spirit, and Non-Existence.

My place is with the learned and solemn,

And where the student with clasped hands

Muses, like Medjnoon, and stands

All day moveless as a column.

Statesmen reverence me and bless me;

Damsels fondle and caress me;

Kings and Kalenders combine

To honor Me, the Pure and Placid,

Knowing that, unlike to wine,

My sweetness never turns to acid:

For I am the seal of perpetual grace,

The mirror of truth, the key to fame,

And he who would find a resting-place

For his fainting soul in eternity’s race,

Must fly to Me as the moth to the flame.