TRANSLATIONS

FROM THE

HINDO OSTANE E.

SONNET BY THE LATE NAWAB OF

OUDE, ASUF UD DOWLA.

In those eyes the tears that glisten as in pity for my pain,

Are they gems, or only dew-drops? can they, will they long remain ?

Why thy strength of tyrant beauty thus, with seeming ruth, restrain?

Better breathe my last before thee, than in lingering grief remain!

To yon planet, Fate has given every month to wax and wane;

And thy world of blushing brightness--can it, will it, long remain ?

Health and youth in balmy moisture on thy cheek their seat maintain;

But the dew that steeps the rose-bud-can it, will it long remain ?

Asuf, why, in mournful numbers, of thine absence thus complain?

Chance had joined us, chance has parted,-nought on earth can long remain.

In the world may'st thou, beloved, live exempt from grief and pain.

On my lips the breath is fleeting,-will it, can it long remain ?