[36] The capture of Jerusalem took place in the 492d year of the Hegira,
A.D. 1099. Alabiwerdy, who wrote these verses, was a native of
Khorasan; he died A.H. 507.


TO A LADY

No, Abla, no--when Selim tells
Of many an unknown grace that dwells
In Abla's face and mien,
When he describes the sense refin'd,
That lights thine eye and fills thy mind,
By thee alone unseen.

Tis not that drunk with love he sees
Ideal charms, which only please
Thro' passion's partial veil,
'Tis not that flattery's glozing tongue
Hath basely fram'd an idle song,
But truth that breath'd the tale.

Thine eyes unaided ne'er could trace
Each opening charm, each varied grace,
That round thy person plays;
Some must remain conceal'd from thee,
For Selim's watchful eye to see,
For Selim's tongue to praise.

One polish'd mirror can declare
That eye so bright, that face so fair,