The Zafarnama & Hiqayats

Narrative Verse Translation of the Epistle of Victory &

the other Persian Narratives of the Dasam Granth

Dr M S Srai
ISBN: 978-1-914584-58-9

All Rights Reserved

 Preface-Sikh, Persian & English Letters

Whereas much of Guru Gobind Singh’s Dasam Granth, characterises the newly
formed separate Sikh nation’s relations with the majority Hindu Indian--
subcontinent and therefore borrows largely from its language and literature, in
contrast, its final heavily Persianized section, Zafarnama, emphasises relations
between the Sikhs and the soon to be overthrown alien, minority, almost
exclusively Muslim, Mogul ruling elite. The former utilises classical Indian meters
and styles, whereas the latter emulates the celebrated Persian poets such as Rumi,
Firdausi, Khayyam, Farid-Uddin-Attar, etc., but is rendered entirely in a single
meter of ten syllable line (Decasyllabic) couplets, favoured by the notable English
poets, Pope, Dryden (particularly, in translation of the Greek classics) and
Shakespeare, among others.
A flavour of the former styles is translated in ‘100 Shades of Grey-Verse
Translation of Triya Charitar, or Wiles of Women’ by the current author. Similarly,
this volume renders a (not previously attempted, to the author’s knowledge)
metrically consistent, narrative verse translation of the last chapter of the Dasam
Granth, Zafarnama, which includes the Hiqayats, eleven other compositions, four
of which themselves correspond to those in the aforementioned, Triya Charitar.
This demonstrates, not only a consistency of authorship between the original
works, whether Brajized or Persianized, but also that of the approach towards both
minority and majority communities from the Sikh (national) perspective.
Zafarnama, or Epistle of Victory, as the first and title Hiqayat of the twelve in
total, describes the fresh outbreak of conflict between the Sikhs and the Moguls, in
particular, vis-a-vis the Guru and Aurangzeb, the Mogul emperor of Dehli, himself,
to whom the versified epistle is ostensibly addressed. This gives the first Hiqayat
the nature of a personal epic, or Dastaan, in the genre of Persian literature.
Aurangzeb is castigated as a materialistic, hypocritical Islamist, together with his
ally Hindu hill rajas, who violated their solemn oaths on their own Holy Quran
and Hindu Scriptures, during the Guru’s violent evacuation and miraculous escape
from the siege of the combined forces of the imperial and hill raja armies, amid
their own instigated ‘peace’ negotiations, denouncing them as unfit to rule their
respective regimes and prophetically predicting their overthrow. This was, indeed,
largely accomplished by the Guru’s own convert and protégé, Baba Banda Singh
Bahadur, within a decade of these historical events, establishing the first Sikh rule
over these regions, instead. It is interesting to note that this regime change was
marked by the issuing of coins with the joint Gurmukhi cum Persian inscription,
Romanised and translated here:

‘Degh-Tegh-Fateh, Nusrat-Bedirang, Yaafat-Az, Nanak-Guru-Gobind

Singh’ ‘Victory of Cauldron and Sword, Bestowed by the Gurus, Nanak-Gobind
Singh’

This inscription remained on the seal of all subsequent independent Sikh states,
while Persian also remained an official language of the pre-British Sikh Empire,
after which it was replaced by them to Urdu (Mogul, Persianized, Hindi).
 The second Hiqayat is also instructive for the imperialists, whether Mogul,
British or Indian, who rule from Delhi. The establishment of Delhi is traced in
antiquity to one, Maharajah Dalip Singh, the youngest of four princes, who founded
the great city from an inheritance of half a chick-pea seed, which he grew into
a grand empire. Historically, its name was later morphed by the Dhillon clan of
peasant farmers and the Sikhs are as much proud of their role in overthrowing
imperialists who have adopted Delhi as their capital, as they are of establishing
their own agrarian, egalitarian, empire, itself only undermined by regression in to
the monarchic principle. This anti-imperialist theme continues throughout all of
the subsequent Hiqayats, favouring instead, good and wise governance. Never-the-
less, the concept of the struggle for and maintenance of sovereignty is deemed of
critical importance for a dignified and honourable nation, all be it, under
monarchical, hereditary rule.
Other prominent themes include military prowess, bravado and valour, as well
as romance and beauty. The latter is both an inspiration for the previous three as
well as a devastatingly destructive, corrupt, corrosive, impermanent phenomenon
undermining of humanity itself, when malevolent or malefic. One could even be
forgiven for thinking that all the aforementioned themes indicate that the original
masterpiece was a secular rather than a scriptural work. However, the short
prologues and epilogues of each Hiqayat are solely dedicated and devoted to the
praise of the Almighty, respectively, belying this apprehension and are both
consistent with, and confirmatory of, the dual spiritual and temporal mission of
the composition of the Dasam Granth, as a whole. One may also detect an
unmistakable undertone of deliberate provocation of the religious and political
over-zealous elites, whether of Indian, Middle-Eastern or European persuasion.

Dr Manjit Singh Srai, author.

Contents
Preface-Sikh, Persian & English Letters

Hikayat 1-Zafarnama, Epistle of Victory

Hikayat 2-Raja Dalip Singh of Delhi

Hikayat 3-The Emperor of China

Hikayat 4-Princess Bacchatra Mati

Hikayat 5-The Qazi’s Murderous Wife

Hikayat 6-The Minister’s Daughter

Hikayat 7-Queen Humae Azeem

Hikayat 8-A Murderous Queen Mother

Hikayat 9-A Frustrated European Monarch

Hikayat 10-Roshan Dimagh & Roshan Zameer

Hikayat 11-Emperor Sher Shah’s Horse Thief

Hikayat 12-A Wanton Afghan Wife

Zafarnama, Sri Mukhwaq Patshahi 10th Epistle
of Victory, Declared by the 10th Sovereign By
Command of the One Original Truth, Victory to the
Glorious Guru! Preamble
Accomplishment, Control, Carer, Complete
Rule, Requirement, Redeemer, Requisite [1]
Belief bestowing, beneficent, best Friend
Generous to a fault, winsome Sovereign [2]
Sovereign of sovereigns, Guide of guides,
Hue-less hue, mark-less mark, and like-less like [3]
Himself, sans resource, horse, force, pomp
Upon whom bestows grace, paradise romps [4]
Immaculate, Omnipotent, Splendent
Both Beneficent and Omnipresent [5]
Bestows boons bountiful, purer than pure,
Maestro Majestic, Politics, Culture [6]
Sovereign of all, Supremo supreme
Both bedazzling beauty, desperate need [7]
Mindful Master, Provision of the poor
Providence personified, firebrand foe [8]
Sharia enforcer, House of pleasure
Arbiter of Truth, Accepted Scripture [9]
Acumen’s acquisition, Mastermind
Arbiter of Truth, Grace personified [10]
Diviner of knowledge, worldly, divine
Worldly wiles, complexity simplified [11]
Great Instigator of worldly intrigues
Fountain of Knowledge, Sovereign supreme [12]
 Dastaan/Epic

I do not you believe, when you swear this:

That, for all between us, God bears witness [13]
Not an atom of my blood can believe
You fibster cliques, flattering to deceive [14]
Your solemn oaths, sworn on the Quran
Whom so ever trusts, is finished, that man [15]
But if saved by the Bird of Paradise,
Remains he unscathed, from scarecrows disguised [16]
If a hunted man, a Lion protects
To what avail, your sheep, goats, herd, forth sent? [17]
False Quranic oath, had I trusted not,
Would not my force, have disabled, nor lost [18]
What more could my forty hungry men do,
When ten thousand foe sprang, out from the blue? [19]
Breaking their oath, out of nowhere, attacked
By guns, missiles, were we taken aback [20]
Out of necessity, we joined affray
With our guns, missiles, too, battle engaged [21]
When all other methods have been exhaust,
It is only right to unsheath the sword [22]
Your Quranic oath, had I not believed,
To take this path, would never have conceived [23]
I did not know, not a man, but a fox,
Would cross my path, else would out, ventured not [24]
If a man swears an oath, on the Quran,
Neither should he be tethered, nor be harmed [25]
Instead, like a swarm of black flies, attacked,
Black uniforms, plotting our massacre [26]
But he that ventured beyond your front line,
Was drowned in his own blood, by one shot, mine [27]
Only your ‘braves’ who hid behind a wall
Were safe from my arrows, did death not befall [28]
Once, your chief of staff, Nahar Khan, sighting
By one shot mine was skewered, dust biting [29]
As for the rest, proud Khans, Pathans, who fled
None came forward to fight, nor red blood shed [30]
One other, Afghan Khan, forward on sped
As if on arrows, bullets drove ahead [31]
By many techniques did he make attack,
Sometimes brave, at times clever, others rash [32]
After many such, taking many wounds,
Killing two of my men, he too succumbed [33]
Your, General Khawaja, by contrast,
 Hid behind wall, miserable coward! [34]
But had he instead, dared to show his face
With one arrow, would have him bestowed grace [35]
Nevertheless, and in no time at all,
Many on both sides, did wounded, or dead, fall [36]
Raining arrows, bullets, so targets found
As if red flowers had sprung from the ground [37]
So were entangled, severed heads from feet
As if stacked high, a pile of balls and sticks [38]
The whistle of arrows and twang of bows
Permeated as if from Earth’s bowels [39]
Merely the sound of such deadly arrows
Enough to rattle manly warriors [40]
What feats of bravery could have been shown?
By my forty men versus countless host [41]
As the lamp of the day veiled itself thence
The lamp of the night threw off its veil whence [42]
Those who believed in the Quranic oaths
Were guided safely by the Lord of Lords [43]
Not a hair on his head is out of place
Nor can even enemy torso graze [44]
I knew not that you are an oath breaker,
A faithless cynic and wealth worshipper [45]
With no inkling of religion, its ways,
Nor regard for God, nor in Prophet, faith [46]
One who has faith in his own religion,
Does not waiver from its affirmation [47]
One can’t believe men such as you, even
On holy Quran who swear ‘God is One’ [48]
If on Quran, one hundred times you swore
Not one iota faith, could you restore [49]
Instead of inviting me to meet with you,
Prepare yourself now to come hitherto [50]
The duty alone falls upon whose head
Who swore before the Commandment of God [51]
If you, emperor, would stand before me,
The situation would be plain to see [52]
It is now up to you, to so enact
As proposed by yourself, in contract draft [53]
My counter proposal, in written form,
Will reach you personally, have no qualm [54]
He is of account who stands by his word,
Not outward one, another one, inward [55]
I don’t oppose what your Qazi proposed,
 If you are sincere, on your toes repose [56]
Should you have doubts, I can also return,
The Quran with which, your Qazi returned [57]
If you bring yourself to Kangar village
We can thereafter, arrange there to meet [58]
You need not at all fear, under this plan,
Under my command, is its Brar clan [59]
Come, let us both meet and speak face to face
If you do indeed come, I will confer grace [60]
If you arrive on but one royal horse,
A whole kingdom, on you, I will confer [61]
I, slave of the slaves, of the King of kings
If He did command, would head, offer, bring [62]
If such a command from Him, I received,
I would myself present, life , limb, forfeit [63]
If, as you claim, you are a believer,
You will not tarry, in this endeavour [64]
You should recognize the Will of the Lord
And not be advised by those who defraud [65]
You sit on the throne as an emperor,
Your justice is strange, your praises, stranger [66]
If one were to your governance critique
One would one hundred apologies make [67]
Stranger than strange your decrees and commands
To put into words would failure demand [68]
Do mercilessly, not so wield the sword
Which tantalizingly, hangs overhead [69]
O foolish man, you think you can fool God?
Who is without care, by feigned praise, fooled not [70]
Who is fearless, majestic Majesty
Emperor True, of both Earth and the sky [71]
As both Lord of the Earth, Lord of the sky
He directs all, microscopically [72]
From smallest of insects to biggest beast
Fool destroyer, Support of the wretched [73]
He Whose Name is Support of the wretched
Is beyond bribery, beyond distress [74]
He is without hue, Who is without sign
He who shows the Way, is the Guide of guides [75]
Upon your head, be the burden of oath
Which you must lift, having blighted your troth [76]
Recover your senses, with wisdom act
Show determination, duty enact [77]
So what, that you have my four heir-lings killed?
When the coiled snake remains, yet unstifled [78]
What manhood is this that snuffing out sparks?
Contrives a raging inferno to start [79]
How well did Firdausi put into words:
To act in haste is but the Devil’s work [80]
When I confront you in the Court of God
On whom will you be able to swear oath? [81]
Should you forget this consideration,
He will forgo your consideration [82]
Should you, to this task, gird your loins, instead
Will you be rewarded, much recompense [83]
To undertake ones religious duty
Is to recognise God’s divinity [84]
Yet do I know, God, you recognise not
All your actions, a disheartening lot [85]
As you recognise not, the Merciful
Of no account are your treasuries, full [86]
Should you one hundred times, swear on Quran,
Would I believe you, not iota one [87]
To you I will not come, nor contemplate
But will go only where, my Lord mandates [88]
It is said ‘Aurangzeb’, great among kings
Clever, fleet of hand, as horseman, swift [89]
Handsome and intellectual of mind
Master of the country, of noble kind [90]
Both possessed of wisdom, war expertise,
With vast treasuries, vaster armouries [91]
Along with sharp features and intellect
Commander of justice and much respect [92]
Great benefactor, steadfast as mountains
Like sun and stars, magnificently praised [93]
Emperor of the world, is Aurangzeb
A man of his times, but far from his faith [94]
Annihilator of idolaters,
I, instead, hill raja’s idol breaker [95]
Ironic, is it not, the play of time?
Upon whom it chooses, destruction divines [96]
Ironic still further, is it not so?
How the Pure One defeats, ten lakhs of foe [97]
What of the foe, when He becomes the Friend?
Benefactor’s role is beneficence [98]
Deliverance from evil, He Himself,
Reverence instils, in Himself, Who else? [99]
Who blinds enemies, when about to strike
 And saves orphaned victims, from dire strife [100]
Whosoever adopts the path of Truth
On him or her, is the One, merciful [101]
Commit themselves who, to Him, life and soul
Blesses them, He, with happiness whole [102]
What if the foe practices devilry?
With whom He is pleased, maintains revelry [103]
If upon one, hundred thousand descend
Secure the person, the Lord whom defends [104]
You may review arrays of troops and pelf
I purview His gifts, my indebtedness [105]
You are so proud of your country and wealth
Mine, the Sanctuary, of the Timeless [106]
Be not befooled, this life is but eight days
The world is an inn, with limited stay [107]
See how it rotates, so unrelenting,
Beyond destination, beyond dwelling [108]
If you are strong, do not afflict the weak
With false promises, do not, them deceive [109]
If He one befriends, powerless are foes
Even if allied by a hundred horde [110]
Should these be multiplied by thousands, more
Can’t one hair disturb, hundred thousand horde [111]
Infinite, Invincible, Formless-Form
Fathomless, Boundless, Doubtless, Normless-Norm [112]
Silentious, Formless, Line-less, Hue-less
Birth-less, Caste-less, Division-less, Death-less [113]
Untouched, Unknown, Unbound, Unobtrusive
Untouchable, Unknow’ble, Illusive [114]
Bar-less, Guise-less, Fate-less, Unbreakable,
Infinitely Gracious, Wise, Whimsical [115]
Hiqayat 2, One Origin, Victory to the Glorious
Guru!
Hiqayat, heard, said, of Raja Dalip,
Who once was seated at his father’s feet [1]
Alongside each other sat brethren four
Who were all well skilled in the ways of war [2]
Who sprang like lions, infatuated,
With hand or horse, once infuriated [3]
He bid them be seated on golden thrones
Each one his own to be seated upon [4]
Then were summoned the wise and the wealthy
To ask, which of the throne, was most worthy [5]
Those of wisdom, upon hearing of this
Rose to the challenge, speaking their minds thus: [6]
‘You yourself are the defender of the faith
Cognisant God, independent of brain [7]
We have not the arrogance to answer
As won’t virgins (when accepting suitors!) [8]
If, however, you force us to answer
We can this recommendation offer: [9]
Whomsoever, the Almighty befriends
Is successful in all his transactions [10]
One should first their intelligence confirm
By actions, suitability affirm’ [11]
To the first, ten thousand elephants gave
The king, in their mating season, enchained [12]
To the second, horse, five hundred thousand
With golden saddles, glistening in the sun [13]
To the third, five thousand camels laden
With silver chattels and golden ribbons [14]
To the fourth, one pulse seed, and chick pea half,
Of independent spirit, mind, most sharp [15]
This intelligent son brought the seeds home
The half chick pea doubling made it whole [16]
By sowing seeds he wished to demonstrate
How great his intelligence and/or fate [17]
Burying both the seeds into the ground
Praying to the Lord hoped crops would abound [18]
After six months had elapsed thereafter
Green shoots all over began to appear [19]
For ten years more sowing and harvesting
He nurtured crops before rewards reaping [20]
 By reseeding some ten-twenty times more
The area of growth multiplied galore [21]
In this way he gathered wealth beyond need
Accumulating mound upon mound, seeds [22]
Ten thousand elephants he then acquired
As tall as mountains, as drunk as the Nile [23]
He also five hundred thousand horse bought
Golden saddled, silver strapped, much sought [24]
Three hundred thousand camel, to boot, got
By both gold and silver, weighed down a lot [25]
Through sale of seeds, a city created
The name of which, Delhi, designated [26]
Another city, Moongi Pattan, built
Friend’s paradise, leaving foes heart-stricken [27]
For another twelve years his kingdom grew
Could never be spent, such wealth that accrued [28]
After all this time the king on the throne
Asked be reminded, by whom, what was owned [29]
His advisors retrieved said document
On which were recorded the four’s accounts [30]
With pens in hand they signalled to the king
Readiness to account everything [31]
King responded by asking how many
Thousands had been gifted, to the penny [32]
‘Read the document, then say out aloud
What was to each of them by me endowed’ [33]
Listened they keenly to royal firman
As had been spoken by the paragon [34]
‘Bring forth at once and formally present
O lights of the world, O suns of Yaman!’ [35]
The first son spoke of gifted elephants;
Some died in battle but survived not one [36]
Asking second son of what had become
Of horses gifted, he answered as one [37]
Sarcastically, king asked ‘darling’ son
You gave away all the camels to whom?! [38]
Some died in battle, repeated son third,
The rest were gifted, as already heard [39]
Finally, of fourth son, asking the same;
‘Deserving heir, of the seeds, what became? [40]
Explain to me, what became of the gift
One whole of moong seed and one half chick-pea?’ [41]
‘Sire! With your permission, I will bring forth
So many elephants, camels and horse’ [42]
 He then presented twelve thousand elephants
With gold and silver brocade adornment [43]
Five hundred thousand horse then presented
Each with golden saddles accompanied [44]
Steel helmets, shining spears, shields expensive
Arrows and swords many, not mentioning [45]
Camels from Baghdad then joined the parade
With gold laden and draped undreamt brocade [46]
Millions upon millions gold coins
A sight for sore eyes, like sighting a friend [47]
From one moong seed created a city
Or Moongi-Pattan, in posterity [48]
From another half chick pea created
The magnificent city of Delhi [49]
Pleased with the exploits of this progeny
Installed his fourth son as Raja Dalip [50]
Establishing an empire of glory
Deserving of power, sovereignty [51]
Empire, sovereignty adorns such as he
Clever, dutiful, obeisance worthy [52]
Unintelligent, unclean, those others
Unsure in their ways, uncouth by their troth [53]
The king thought to hand over his throne too
All his monies, acquisitions accrued [54]
He would surely acquire fame and fortune
By his wisdom, a great sovereign prove [55]
Raja Dalip was presented his throne
By Raja Mahip with robes of honour [56]
His other offspring, removed from power
Had neither wisdom, free from flaw, nor were [57]
Upon a new golden throne, seating new king
All old treasuries, opened before him [58]
Unburdening himself of all duty
Wandered to the forest in penury [59]
Wine tender, pour in my cup, Green liquor,
Wartime intoxicating elixir [60]
Taking advantage of my destiny
To demonstrate my sword’s, supremacy [61]
Hiqayat 3, One Origin, Victory to the Glorious
Guru!
Immaculate Intellect, Judice Just
Provider of order and daily crust [1]
Blissful, Merciful, friendly helping-hand
Emancipating, Chaperone, pleasant [2]
I relate Hiqayat of one good man
Who reduced to ashes, foes, all at once [3]
Deadly unto foes, was this Chinese king
Kind to the meek, yet uncompromising [4]
In battle as in banter, well prepared
As dextrous with sword, as mentally aware [5]
Connoisseur of cuisine, affairs of state
Eloquent in argument and senate [6]
He so archery and rifle mastered
As if in ma’s womb, skill inherited [7]
Such wealth, treasures and lands had he accrued
Many domains, benevolently ruled [8]
When the Chinese emperor’s end came near
All of his ministers present appeared [9]
‘On whom, after you, should be conferred throne?
On whose head should be placed such august crown? [10]
Who from your palace should be exiled hence?
Sovereignty conferred upon whose head?’ [11]
Awaking from sleep, opening his eyes
He quoted from an ancient treatise [12]
Who has no feet, no hands, no eyes, nor tongue
Nor awareness, nor strength, nor fears no one [13]
Not heartbeat, nor drive, nor excuse, nor life
Not nose, nor sight, nor ears to hear with [14]
If such a man exists, on him prevail
To take up the burden in this (dark) age [15]
On hearing these strange royal words, the wise
For sake of empire, thought what to advise? [16]
Much diverted, their reply was delayed
Much were they perplexed, much were they dismayed [17]
Swerving left, then right, they, unleashed their ire
Finding their voice, volleys of missiles fired: [18]
‘Wise emperor, of independent mind,
Of what have you spoken, strange, undefined? [19]
Such person, as you have identified,
Is clearly unfit for role specified [20]
 All are vices, which you virtues affirm
O emperor ours, of sky, sea and earth! [21]
‘Never in battle did you turn your back,
Cursed neither enemies, nor their praise lacked’ [22]
Neither foe left unfettered, friend afraid
Weak wanting, nor aggressor un-chastened [23]
Nor given opportunity to write
Not one word against you, author despite [24]
Great men of learning have you struck silent
How ancient text, did you misinterpret? [25]
Never did you ever give bad advice
Why now call vice, virtue or virtue, vice?’ [26]
‘Who does not gaze on another’s woman
Or slyly another’s efforts upon [27]
Who lingers not on their profane language
But ponders on the Lord’s blessings instead [28]
Who another’s behaviour overlooks
As truly blind recognise without doubt [29]
Who does not let take the wrong path, his feet
Nor even facing hordes lets them retreat [30]
Nor involves them in theft from home or heart
Nor enters house of dacoit or drunkard [31]
Neither curses, nor foul language uses
Nor wishes ill, nor utters abuses [32]
Who does not step into conspiracy
Is lame indeed, take as veracity [33]
Who committing theft, has not hands dirtied
Nor for forbidden fruit, hand extended [34]
Not even contemplates looting the weak
Nor ever pain on his subjects inflicts [35]
Nor on another’s woman puts his hand
Nor attacks his subject’s independence [36]
Nor dirties his hands by taking a bribe
But enemy of state in dirt buries [37]
Gives not enemy, opportunity
To attack in war, without repartee [38]
In battle, allows horses not to rest
Nor foe in country to wander abreast [39]
Men without hands are said to be hampered
Who cannot commit crime, nor, belts tighten [40]
Whoever cannot spout ill with his tongue
Is clearly known in this world to be dumb [41]
Who listens not to another’s slander
Deaf, that person, by this world, is known as [42]
 Who listens not to gossip secretly
He should be appointed king, certainly [43]
Who does not whiff the stench of corruption
Is such a man, of good disposition [44]
Apart from the Lord, who fears no one
Powerful adversaries overcomes [45]
At the time of war, who remains alert
Whose bow fires arrows, gun bullets spurts [46]
Who fully endeavours to do justice
In favour of the weak and dispossessed [47]
Who makes no excuse when fighting great odds
Who despite myriad foe, is afeared none [48]
Who among all of professions professed
Promotes the duty of war readiness [49]
Whomsoever this philosophy pleases
Worthy becomes of sovereignty, he’ [50]
The wise vizier having heard the king
Thought he how much was wiser, more pleasing [51]
‘He who you most suitable find to be,
On all my lands confer sovereignty [52]
On that person confer my throne and crown
Worthy of winning his subjects’ renown’ [53]
Astonished, did his four sons contemplate
Who among them, could this challenge embrace [54]
Whomsoever intelligence supports
Is to undertake desired purpose? [55]
Wine tender, pour in my cup, Green liquor,
Wartime intoxicating elixir [56]
Wine tender, pour in mine eyes, Green ocean,
Which a centenarian, renders young [57]
Hiqayat 4, One Origin, Victory to the Glorious
Guru!
Merciful Guide and our Daily-Bread,
Our Salvation and Hand upon head [1]
My heart’s courage and intellect’s content
Order Restorer, Source of all merit [2]
Hiqayat, I heard, of one great woman
Tall as saplings on riverside gardens [3]
Her father, a king of Northern country,
Sweet tongued and lover of philanthropy [4]
To bathe in River Ganga arrived once
With arrow-sharp purpose, saluted by guns [5]
With intention of matching his daughter
Invited princes, would they could match her? [6]
He said to his daughter; ‘beautiful soul,
Choose one among them, whom you will betroth’ [7]
Seating her on a seven-story plinth
Seemingly, sun or moon on Jumna’s glint [8]
Drum beats sounded in anticipation
He, to her, delegated decision [9]
‘Kings, great, good, gallant, looking over whom
Choose any of these to be your bridegroom [10]
Once upon one you have cast your favour
Will he then return as my son-in-law’ [11]
Of all the many princes presented
Not to any of them she consented [12]
She, at last declared for one, Subhat Singh,
Alligator-like, in manner, bearing [13[
Yet, still more handsome suitors were brought forth
Separately seated, and to her offered [14]
‘Dear sweet tempered girl, I ask you again,
For one of these express your preference’ [15]
A Brahmin was tasked with advocation
Of raja hailing from north direction [16]
He told those gathered that Bacchatra Mati
Was the sun over earth, moon in the sky [17]
But she replied that she just could not see
Who among them were appealing to me [18]
Again he asked her to take another look
Again she replied, none her fancy took [19]
They then decided to call it a day
Servants, the gathering, ushered away [20]
 On the second day, king, in all his pomp
Invited his royal guests again once [21]
To try once again to find royal match
By ostentatiously changing tack [22]
Asking his daughter, O queen of my heart,
Which of those present is fitting consort? [23]
The flower of the garden addressed it,
Shimmering like gold, colouration moist [24]
Walking towards them, as if to inspect
A parade of princes, the spring bouquet [25]
Stealing their hearts, they fell flat on the floor
As fall warriors in the thick of war [26]
When to this the Brahmin became witness,
He teased: ‘of Northern king is she heiress! [27[
Such a daughter is Bacchatra Mati
Moon of the sky and queen among houris [28]
Moon of the sky has come to assembly
Of angelic renown, goddess body [29]
Whose richness of fate is yet to be seen
On whom moon of the sky admits is keen [30]
The raja she chose, was Subhat Singh, named
For wisdom as well as handsomeness, famed [31]
The Brahmin was sent to negotiate
Nuptials with the prince regent designate [32]
‘O king of kings, light of the world, listen,
Marry this delicate, fragile woman [33]
To which he replied, he’d already wed
A woman, with doe eyes, he can’t forget [34]
As delicate and fragile as deer’s kid
‘To her am I sworn on Quran, Prophet’ [35]
When these words of rejection reached her ears
Outrage overcame demure demeanour: [36]
‘Only that man who defeats me in battle,
Can mine become, sovereign absolute’ [37]
Without ado, war initiated
Adopting battle dress, armour plated [38]
As if full moon ascending chariot,
With arrows in hand, sword girded round waist [39]
Entered affray like a roaring lion
As lion fights lion with nerves, iron [40]
Wearing armour, she entered battlefield
Adventuring, arrows, bullets firing [41]
Showering arrows upon enemy
Targeting whole armies, she killed many [42]
 Such was her terrifying bombardment
Many war hardened warriors succumbed [43]
One raja, Gaj Singh, enjoined into battle
As arrow leaves bow or bullet, rifle [44]
With all the ferociousness of demons
With elephant sized shield in precaution [45]
With single arrow, she targeting him,
Knocking off his horse, smearing face in filth [46]
Another, Ran Singh, equally angry
Like moth to flame, made battlefield entry [47]
With a blow of her sword, young lioness
Like overgrown shrub, cut him down to size [48]
One from Amber, another form Jodhpur,
The sparkling princess came out to confront [49]
They at once wielding swords, her, attacked
As they struck her shield their weapons sparked [50]
A third, raja of Boondi, unannounced,
As if a roaring lion on a deer’s fawn pounced [51]
But fell like fruit, this Amar Singh, also
Getting an arrow between his eyebrows [52]
A fourth, raja Jai Singh, to make war came
Angry temperament, mountain-like frame [53]
He too was forced to drink from the same cup
As his erstwhile friends, without a hiccup [54]
Another two rajas, one from Firang,
The other from Pilang, roared like lions [55]
Yet another two rose, one from England,
Other, splashing crocodile like, demon [56]
The first was speared, the second punched out,
Third kicked away, fourth, her shield, head butted [57]
None of them able to get up again,
Life left their corpses, like a bird on the wing [58]
No others ventured forth to try their luck
As on edge of abyss, one loses pluck [59]
When (moon) raja of night, with his (star) force,
Arose in the sky, watched others withdraw [60]
Early next day, the refuge of (sun) light
Ascended his throne, as the moon did alight [61]
On both sides warriors girded their loins,
With shield against shield, battle joined [62]
Clashing with each other, thundering clouds
Some were wounded, others covered with shrouds [63]
From rapid fire, bullets and arrows
Made all kinds of sounds, which all round hallowed [64]
 Battle axes, cannon, swords, bows and arrows,
Spear’s, lance’s, missiles whistling, followed [65]
A demon arrived like black crow in flight
Drunk as an elephant, roaring lion-like [66]
Showering arrows like a rain cloud bursting
Flashing his blade like flashes of lightning [67]
War drums were beating with angry rhythm
Corpses piled up like pandemonium [68]
A single missile hitting hits target
Of beastly sized torsos made fine mincemeat [69]
Many such landed on demon disguised
Who fell like rubble of house mansion sized [70]
Another demon swooped down vulture like
All of a swarm, like vampire gigantic [71]
But he too, similar fate suffered
As falls a big tree, by its roots pulled up [72]
No other warrior had where with all
To come face to face with the moon faced girl [73]
Emperor of China, took off his crown
Sighting dark witch of night, as did the sun [74]
As she arrived with her army of stars
Stratagem afoot, discovered another: [75]
Fie! Fie! And shame! Shame! On our good name,
On our lives, that we can’t defeat this dame! [76]
Next day, the sun, again arose and shone
As raja once again, ascends his throne [77]
On both sides, forces, exuberant rose
From four corners with muskets and arrows [78]
Devastating missiles, readied, deployed
By empowered shoulders and angry minds [79]
‘Til a whole army was routed, destroyed
Save for one, Subhat Singh, isolated [80]
To whom princess issued ultimatum:
‘Prince charming, marry me, or load weapon’ [81]
The lion provoked, retorted in angst:
‘Attack, make war, I will not turn my back!’ [82]
Fully prepared and in full armour dressed
Lion heart fought like crocodile possessed [83]
With bow in hand, entering battlefield,
He showered arrows like the monsoon rains [84]
From left and from right, direct, indirect
His Chinese made bow, twanged like a rebec [85]
Likewise, whomsoever the princess speared
In two parts or four did his torso tear [86]
 So much so they both entangled became
As bird of prey or red cobra with prey [87]
Such was inflicted great devastation
That battlefield itself became blood red [88]
Despite wanton havoc wreaked on both sides
Who was victorious, none could decide [89]
With this painful admission, in fatigue,
Both fell to the ground, as battlefield heaved [90]
As the sun king covered his face with shield
To take up his place, fair moon face invited [91]
Neither combatant got satisfaction
Falling like dead, facing putrefaction [92]
Rising next day, as if back from the dead,
Like entangling crocodiles got enmeshed [93]
With both bodies hunchbacked under the strain
Their chests got soaked red, heavily blood stained [94]
Thereupon Bengal’s armies entered field
As crocodiles splash, fires spark, tigers spring [95]
Black stallions, white steeds danced like peacocks
As if to the strains of violins plucked [96]
Arrows ripped through soldiers’ armour plating
Cannon ripped to shreds horses’ protections [97]
Raining on battlefield to such extent
That armour sparked like furnace igniting [98]
Lion-hearts’ horses hooves made earth vibrate
As swings tiger’s tale walking tiger’s gait [99]
Commotion reigned amid heat of battle
Composure lost, war veterans rattled [100]
Protagonists had become so absorbed
That bows ran out of arrows and sheaths, swords [101]
No time lost from daybreak to night’s descent
No moment even to take sustenance [102]
Like a lion and a tiger they fought
Like two eagles fighting, falling, exhaust [103]
Or black thief taking opportunity
Looting treasuries leaves nought but ruins [104]
After third day sun limped off on his crutch
As by moonlight the world became lit up [105]
Relentlessly, warriors waging war
From all directions, fired missiles galore [106]
As the inferno raged relentlessly
Twelve thou elephants, were no more to be [107]
Not to mention horse, seven hundred thou
Nor veterans, no counting many how [108]
 Whether Sindhi, Arabic, Iraqi
Suffered horses all same, fate accompli [109]
Many a chief, sovereign and Sirdar
Lost his life with dignity and honour [110]
As if two dark clouds had burst dripping blood
In oceans below, lightning skies above [111]
As war cries of warriors filled the sky
So horse’s hooves, made ground beneath subside [112]
Who never lost racing against wind gusts,
Turning to tiger stripes, colour of dust [113]
The light of the world then taking nightcap
Upon his brother’s head placed coronet [114]
On the fourth day he once again arose
In full regalia his splendours shone [115]
Then in the style of Yamuna region
Fought is braves, with their shields next to their chins [116]
Regaining conscience, performing theatre
Regaling passion, fought they like tigers [117]
On fourth day died ten thousand elephants,
Twelve thousand horse, like the Nile, in movement [118]
Three hundred thousand infantry to boot
As brave as lions, war veterans, moot [119]
Four thousand chariots decimated
With their charges, much venerated [120]
In this way, the princess took aim and killed
Four horse, charioteer, of Subhat Singh [121]
Thirdly, taking aim, between his eye-brows
He suffered like snakes, snatched from treasure troves [122]
A fourth attack set him so much aback
Unconscious, forgot, to breathe in and out [123]
Beguilingly so, had she him attacked,
His coronet too, fallen down, seemed smashed [124]
She realised adversary looked half dead
As a lion dazed after having sex [125]
Alighting her chariot, majesty
Approached adversary with grace, doll-queen [126]
Cup of water in hand, with bird-like grace
Approached the prince to be of some service [127]
Addressing him, ‘extraordinary man!
Why do you sleep in this grim circumstance? [128]
Life of my life, I am yours, youthful sir,
I have come, you to see, at close quarters’ [129]
‘Lady of good breeding, why have you come,
To such a hellish place, for what reason?’ [130]
 ‘I have come here to retrieve your body,
For last rites if dead, else thank Almighty’ [131]
Words of the princess were pleasing to hear,
Replying, he said ‘O silver framed dear: [132]
Declare unto me your ultimatum
I am your slave, lion-hearted damsel’ [133]
‘Be my husband, difficult opponent
Make me at once the one most fortunate’ [134]
With reluctant feet and wide open eyes,
Submitted to customs well recognised [135]
In her chariot, transporting him home,
To beats of drums, her father, had resound [136]
From unconscious state, to now wide awake
He asked to where he had been brought this day [137]
She told him that she had won him in war
To the victor spoils, according to law [138]
Realising, resistance was futile
Adopted toward her, status servile [139]
Wine tender, pour in my cup, Green liquor,
My only need and my daily succour [140]
Gift unto me your abiding pleasure
From the dark depths, may I unearth treasure [141]
Hiqayat 5, One Origin, Victory to the Glorious
Guru!
You are the only Guide, open hearted
Hand holder, for those here, or departed [1]
Our daily bread, holding out His hand
Merciful, kind, fulfilling of demand [2]
I heard once a tale of a Muslim priest
None his equal, a Qazi, respected [3]
At home a woman, in full flush of youth
Whose antics were those that left all enthused [4]
When gazing upon whose flower of youth
Hearts, flowers, fluttered, themselves beautiful [5]
Even, full moon, in jealousy, disgust,
Waned one quarter, to a half moon, at most [6]
When, for any reason, she would leave home
Her shoulder length hair would cause commotion [7]
Whenever she’d wash her face in the stream
The gills of the fish would flower like spring [8]
If shadow of her face fell on water
It turned to wine of vintage calibre [9]
She herself gazed upon one youthful prince
As handsome as the world ever had seen [10]
Addressing him, ‘fortunate sovereign,
Next to your throne, make another for me’ [11]
‘First cut off the head of your Qazi husband,
Only then my home, will your home become’ [12]
Hearing from him, final ultimatum
Kept to herself, discussing with no one [13]
Detecting her husband, once deep asleep
By her own hand, decapitated him [14]
Collecting his head, she wended her way
To where the prince, Sabal Singh, held his sway [15]
‘Whatever odered, I have carried out,
To you I present, what I brought about [16]
If my head too, you wish me to tender,
My life, my heart, for my love will render [17]
This night, honour, that dare, proposition,
I’m tortured without sight of your vision’ [18]
When he saw for himself, what she had done
Afraid, he declared, ‘you wicked woman, [19]
That which you have done to your poor husband
Could well you exceed if you me befriend [20]
 I cannot accede to such a friendship
Forgive me but from such, I must desist [21]
Atrocity, on husband committed
Can, by you, upon me, be visited’ [22]
Throwing her husband’s head out of her hands
Beating her chest and her head, she began: [23]
‘Just as you have turned your back upon me,
So will God you, in the form of Qazi’ [24]
Leaving his head there, she, returning home
Next to his body, lay down, comatose [25]
Then, upon own head, pouring handfuls, dust
Declared to husband’s friends, ‘do what you must! [26]
What horrendous act has done miscreant
With one blow severed, Qazi husband’s head!’ [27]
Tracing his blood stains, they followed that path
To where she herself intended, at last [28]
People had gathered to exactly where
Qazi’s head had been left, nature to scare [29]
From her they established, it must have been,
The prince who’d committed, murder obscene [30]
Arresting him and binding up tightly
Took him where Jahangir sat augustly [31]
Who ordered that he be handed over
To be punished as per wishes, by her [32]
She ordered executioner behead
This unfortunate, one blow to his head [33]
Sighting the naked sword, the youthful prince
Trembled, as would a sapling in the wind [34]
Saying that he had wronged her so badly
Exposing his base personality [35]
Signalling with his eyes what she him meant
That she was sovereign among women [36]
By not acquiescing, had made mistake
Without good counsel, illegitimate [37]
‘Save me from these here executioners
By God, Prophet, I accept all your terms [38]
Life of my soul, forgive all my mistakes
I am your slave and will ever remain’ [39]
Sensing that he had now her understood
Thought, five hundred such killings, would what prove? [40]
If Qazi is dead, what would be achieved?
Killing him, eternal purgatory? [41]
Far better that, upon releasing prince
I, holy Kaaba, go on pilgrimage [42]
 Declaring just so, she released the prince
Returning home, gathered things for her trip [43]
In readiness collecting belongings
She prayed God to satisfy longings [44]
Regretting she had abandoned calling
Prayed, that she may one day be returning [45]
Monies, gold and silver jewellery
Collecting, wended way on her journey [46]
She had but gone a few furlongs from town
When thoughts of paramour, her overwhelmed [47]
In the mid of night with all her chattels
She took to path of lover’s citadel [48]
What did the world know to where she had gone?
Or what tortures had her mind undergone? [49]
O wine tender, bring a cup of Green wine
To accompany, when ready to dine [50]
Which offers me such great enlightenment
Beyond even the lights of firmament [51]
Hiqayat 6, One Origin, Victory to the Glorious
Guru!
Soul-force, Merciful, heart rending presence
Commander, Sustainer, give me guidance [1]
Force-less, Landless, without subordinate
All as the above, yet Omnipotent [2]
Hiqayat heard, one minister’s daughter
At once beautiful and intelligent [3]
Her sovereign, Kaisro, wore Rumi hat,
Was as sun, glorious, as the moon, bright [4]
One day, went out to hunt, in midday sun,
Tigers and hawks, with party of thousands [5]
Deep in the jungle was the best place to hunt
Lions, fierce, deer, doe-eyed, stags, twelve-horned [6]
There too arrived, a western sovereign,
As moon, bright faced, like a lion roaring [7]
Both face to face in a terrible place
Whose sword would victory, befriend and grace? [8]
Whose lucky star was to carry the day?
Whom Providence, would him favourite make? [9]
So both sovereigns each other approached
As two lions solitary deer poach [10]
Or as two dark clouds colliding thunder
Or sighting two spearheads targets shudder [11]
Arrows, flew through the sky, like pelting rain
Over the earth and the sky, vultures reigned [12]
Lance upon lance, spearhead with spearhead clashed
As if Armageddon day, came to pass [13]
As if the angel of death blew his conch
So the rulers roused their armies on [14]
Arab army fell into disarray
As Western sovereign victory claimed [15]
Desolate was left the Arab ruler
As the sun had set horizon under [16]
So had set the sun on his great empire
Was took in custody, like trespasser [17]
So was shackled, erstwhile sovereign, thus
As does Rahu the moon, during eclipse [18]
News of his capture reached his capital
No scheme of his rescue risked proposal [19]
Elders gathered, ashamed, tried to pretend
Regent got lost during expedition [20]
 But when minister’s daughter, heard the news
Tying sword around waist, gathered arrows [21]
Adorning costume of Rumi country
On the saddle of her horse made journey [22]
Like the wind arrived in Western country
With arrows, insignia, Kiani [23]
She greeted Western sovereign bravely:
‘Roaring lion who destroys enemy! [24]
I salute your sovereignty, fortune
Well worthy are you of your crown and throne [25]
My haymakers today came to jungle
One noble faced, on horseback, two hundred [26]
It is better that haymakers return
Otherwise, who knows for whose head they come? [27]
Should, our sovereign, hear of this outcome
To pull up your roots, he will surely come’ [28]
When the strapping sovereign heard this speech
He started shaking like leaves of a tree [29]
Thinking that if these haymakers attack
What kind of sovereign might be at their back? [30]
He may be so powerful that, who knows?
He may me capture, from my mine own abode [31]
He, at once, summoned all his advisors
To secretly discuss, these grave matters [32]
‘You have seen for yourself, these haymakers
Have reduced to dust, our land, war-makers [33]
God forbid, their sovereign escalates
This war, making countrymen, horrors face’ [34]
Summoning all prisoners to his court
Offered them up to whom audience sought [35]
‘I relieve you of their burden, brother,
You have become a friend like no other’ [36]
Putting one hand on folds of her turban
Other placed on the hilt of her weapon [37]
On each prisoner she landed four blows
Saying what lack of intellect they showed [38]
Why did you come to this land without grass?
God! What sort hay will you here make, I ask? [39]
She begged God’s pardon for this childish prank
For successful mission, Whom had to thank [40]
Having got released from terrible place
Took sovereign away to a place more safe [41]
Pour in my cup, Green ocean, wine tender!
Divine Intellect, known as world over [42]
 Pour in my cup, Green ocean, Wine-tender!
Bringing joy, before war, before slumber [43]
Hiqayat 7, One Origin, Victory to the Glorious
Guru!
He, Himself, Merciful and Infinite
Omnipresent, everywhere Regent [1]
Of good disposition, beautiful too,
And Messenger of glad tidings, to boot [2]
King Isfand Yar, about to breathe his last,
To daughter, Bahiman, left empire, vast [3]
As a bird of paradise, beautiful
And veritably blessed with fortune [4]
Her sovereign, collecting belongings,
Left this world, and to her, royal trappings [5]
Sitting on the throne of Rumi’s country,
Looked a summer garden’s epitome [6]
At fourteen years, it seemed, on her, as if
A new summer, somehow, had heralded [7]
When flower of youth finally blossomed
Spring’s red flowerings sprang into gardens [8]
Girlish mannerisms had given way
To youthful exuberance taking sway [9]
To innocent infancy bidding bye
And to the summer of youth hailing aye! [10]
A distant memory, minority
And welcome intensely, majority [11]
Seated upon her illustrious throne
Issued once again, lapsed royal command [12]
Her roving eye fell upon tradesman’s son
Whom she took home once darkness had fallen [13]
She remained embroiled with him a few months
His seed formed embryo in her stomach [14]
After full nine months thereafter elapsed
The beautiful one felt her tubes contract [15]
She gave birth to a prince hungry for milk
Who’d one day overthrow empires of ilk [16]
To no one did she her son’s birth disclose
But instead in cradle did him dispose [17]
Saffron and perfumes on him she sprinkled
Wrapping him up in finery and silks [18]
In his small hand placing diamond large
In deep flowing river, her scion launched [19]
After so doing, ripping finery
Turned her thoughts to God, in apology [20]
 On banks of the river sat washer men
Who spotted the cradle approaching them [21]
Their one thought was to capture the cradle
To break open, its looting enable [22]
With their bare arms they brought cradle ashore
Opening, inside found treasures galore [23]
Breaking the seal, found not only treasure
But also a moon faced child, with pleasure [24]
One washer man who was heirless ‘til then
Thanked the Lord for providing one to them [25]
After recovering boy and treasure
He thanked the Lord for ever and ever [26]
He cared for the boy as if his own son
Remembering God, Mecca in his soul [27]
After two years and some months had elapsed
Washer man’s girl took boy to the palace [28]
When Humae Azeem saw the boy, Kareem
She remembered the son, she’d launched downstream [29]
She asked the girl ‘please tell me, good woman
Where found you this boy, charming and handsome?’ [30]
Knowing full well, that she recognised him,
She alone, as perhaps, no one else did [31]
She sent men and washer man invited
To her palace from wherever they lived [32]
Tying up tightly, when he there arrived
Asked him politely, from where boy did find? [33]
He said that he would relate whole story
Of circumstances of finding the boy [34]
Stating the year, the month and evening
When he’d carried out, whole undertaking [35]
From deep waters of the river in flow
Rescued boy, holding diamond aglow [36]
Seeing the diamond, taking in hand
She confirmed the boy was her son indeed [37]
Mother’s milk began to flow from her breasts,
Could not but help, put both hands on her chest [38]
Although her two lips could not help but smile
Did not betray secret she’d kept awhile [39]
Washer man’s wife then arriving next day
Said she’d had a dream and heard dervish say: [40]
‘The son that I had once granted to you,
Is, in fact, of the Kiani clan, true’ [41]
So treasuries, gold, jewellery, throne
To him were returned, along with his home [42]
 Queen to her ministers, orders issued,
Name ‘Darab’, who from river got rescued [43]
On him sovereignty, do I confer,
Glorious crown, on his head, do proffer [44]
Enamoured, am I, of his countenance,
His features, glory and lightheartedness [45]
On hearing he’d been sovereign proclaimed
Was pleased, on too, being ‘Darab’ renamed [46]
Became he warrior, upholder of faith,
Of truth, religion and compassionate [47]
Bestow on me, Red cupful, Wine-tender
On which I remain needful forever [48]
Pour me Wine of victorious colour
Inspiring feats of battlefield valour [49]
Hiqayat 8, One Origin, Victory to the Glorius Guru!
God, Who is Merciful, Is Peace of mind
Commander, Sustainer, Essence of life [1]
Sovereign, Saint encompassing two worlds
Who bestows His Mercy to one and all [2]
Heard I, Hiqayat, of glorious king
Beneficent, in appearance, charming [3]
Of radiant face and, all in all, handsome
Who spent his days in drink and merriment [4]
Most intelligent and bearing most brave,
Possessed the virtues of a sovereign [5]
Possessed he also, a moon-faced woman
Bet his life, whom so ever, looked upon [6]
Of good disposition, taste, countenance
Thoughtful, beautiful, softly spoken [7]
A beauty the world had rarely seen
As eloquent as ever one had been [8]
She bore two sons like the sun and the moon
Of enlightened intellect, action true [9]
Dextrous (with sword), shrewd, strategically,
As lions, crocodiles, fought fiercely [10]
Wrestling to ground, elephants capable
Like armoured lions in thick of battle [11]
Of such dainty, silvery appearance
Of such glowing, radiant countenance [12]
Mother, however, became enamoured
Of another man, as bee to flower [13]
During the night, when about to her bed
He caught a glimpse of her two thoroughbreds [14]
She them separately inviting there
Plying music, drink caught them unawares [15]
When sure that they were drunk out of their heads
Taking sword in hand did both them behead [16]
Then with both hands, beating upon her own
Screaming aloud, created commotion [17]
Saying, ‘O witness this crime, holy, Muslim, men’,
Who asked ‘Who have butchered these innocents?’ [18]
‘In front of me, they, of liquor partook,
Then in their hands, Fauladi swords up took [19]
As one other struck so other struck back
In front of my eyes, they each other hacked [20]
Woe is me! That the ground did not give way,
Nor did the gates of hell open agape [21]
 What have I witnessed with mine own two eyes?
The shock of such bloodshed, such fratricide? [22]
How shall my body survive wicked world?
‘Tis better that I, it exile, at once’ [23]
Declaring thus, ripping up her fine clothes
Wilderness heading, abruptly arose [24]
She came upon thence, a safe place to sleep:
Saw Shiva on a bull, with Parvati [25]
He asked her ‘O woman of good fortune,
Of slender, sapling like body, are whom?’ [26]
Are you a fairy, or light of the world?
The moon in the sky, or the midday sun?’ [27]
‘Neither a fairy, nor light of the world,
I’m daughter of Bilishtan’s sovereign’ [28]
Bowing down in utter humility
She replied to his question, quietly [29]
‘I am sorry to see you in distress,
Ask any boon, I will it manifest’ [30]
‘From old age transform me to youthfulness
So I may return to my love again’ [31]
‘If this is what you want, so it shall be,
Though what you ask, is ultimate folly’ [32]
She then arrived nearby to that well
Where he hunted game, as she knew so well [33]
As anticipated, very next day
Arrived he, red-beaked, summer bird of prey [34]
A twelve horned stag sprang out ahead of him
Pursuing on horseback like morning wind [35]
To far-away place, no one else around,
Nothing to eat, nor drink, nor of mind, sound [36]
The ten horned stag instead pursued woman,
Fairy like, the Earth’s illumination [37]
The hunter himself, of her, catching glimpse
Became intoxicated, losing sense [38]
‘I swear before God, I yours have become,
Life of my life, sacrifice to your love’ [39]
Several times, advances declining
His proposals accepted, relenting [40]
Witness wickedness of this world’s orbit
Where warrior’s blood stains away are wiped [41]
No sign of Emperors Khusro, Jamshed,
Nor even of Adam, nor Muhammad [42]
Where are Faredun or Isfand Yar, now?
Or Dara, Badara, of great renown? [43]
 Alexander the Great, wherefore Sher Shah?
Not one has survived intact, on this Earth [44]
Where are the Emperors Taimur, or Babar?
Where is Humayun, Emperor Akbar? [45]
Serve me Wine tender, that Foreign Red Wine
Which, in war renders joy, when swords entwine [46]
So I may find that version of myself,
Which my sword keeps mine enemy suppressed [47]
Hikayat 9, One Origin, Victory to the Glorious
Guru!
Maximus, Miraculous, Merciful
Commander, Conserver, Compassion-full [1]
Invocation, Intercession, Influx,
Heaven, Hegemony, Heterodox [2]
Heard I tale of a European king
Who was sat on a bed next to his queen [3]
She espied a jeweller’s son closely
Good looking, youthful and very comely [4]
One evening, she, to her, him, beckoned
Tall, handsome, even more than she’d reckoned [5]
One with the other, became they entwined
Of being discovered, put out of mind [6]
To remedy this, they came up with scheme
Of calling barber, his beard shaving [7]
No one could this mystery comprehend
Man’s face became, a woman’s to pretend [8]
Everyone thought they saw a woman
Because he was so fairy-like handsome [9]
One day was spotted by the king himself
Thought, enticing as the full moon itself [10]
He told ‘her’ that ‘she’ was of good fortune,
Well capable of adorning the throne [11]
‘Whose are you woman, whose are you daughter?
Wherefrom you came and whose are you sister?’ [12]
Of great good fortune indeed, so it seemed,
Whom the emperor himself, so esteemed! [13]
He, a maid, once summoned to his palace
In the evening, to his apartment [14]
He told her of luminary vision
Of silver sapling like bodied, ‘woman’ [15]
‘My heart suffers tortures for her to meet
A fish out of water in mud, as if [16]
O my trustful, flower like, go between,
Go make connection with lover and me [17]
If you can bring ‘her’ back with you to me
You’ll be rewarded, bagful’s of money’ [18]
Upon hearing this, she wended her way,
Relating details, all he had to say [19]
Upon him hearing this awkward request
Became hateful of his womanly dress [20]
 The thought crossed his mind that if discovered
What may become mode, of his existence? [21]
He replied to her ‘O dear trusted friend,
How to reply, so as not to offend? [22]
If you so advise, into wilderness,
This very day, I would leave this damned place’ [23]
‘Have no fear, I have solution’ queen said
‘For next four months you will sleep in my bed’ [24]
Saying so, the queen, did just as she had said
While lion-hearted king learnt what had transpired [25]
From the mouth of the maid having heard this,
From head to toe, with rage, trembled frame, his [26]
He accompanied maid to where they slept,
Confirming, head to toe, like sun, raged red [27]
He understood because he wanted ‘her’
Taking precaution, the queen kept ‘her’ there [28]
‘By making ‘her’ sleep in her own bedroom
As God is witness, my stratagem’s doomed [29]
If I could but see ‘her’ when all alone
We would conjugate as sun with (new) moon’ [30]
The king left only to return next day
To find once again them sleeping embraced [31]
What a great shame, the king, privately thought
He’d pounce like a lion, if alone caught [32]
For second day and third, trying his luck
Returned empty handed, finding them thus [33]
Fourth day running, finding them entangled
He thought he needed a scheme new-fangled [34]
If only I could sleep with ‘her’ alone
I’d take aim with my arrow in ‘her’ bow [35]
As ‘tis, I can’t see target, nor take aim,
Much less, make captive or eliminate [36]
On the sixth day, he same witnessing went
Could but help expressing disappointment: [37]
‘Not sighting my foe, I could not it kill
Nor even in bow, my arrow fulfil [38]
A shame I could not meet foe face to face,
Nor sweat, blood, bodily fluids, exchange’ [39]
Truth of the matter did not understand
That his obsession, was in fact a man [40]
In his delusion, to what was commit?
An appalling act, about to commit [41]
See what foul, fool was about to commit?
Without water, to shave his own noggin [42]
 Bring me, Wine-tender, a cupful of Green
For which would I tender, all that is mine [43]
Bring me, Wine-tender, Ocean in a cup,
Which I’d gulp, before enemy usurped! [44]
Hiqayat 10, One Origin, Victory to the Glorious
Guru!
Graceful, forgiving, fool intolerant
Near, far, world-wide, presides Your government [1]
Issueless, mother-brother-father-less
Without relative, friend or foe, Peerless [2]
Heard I tale of the king of Mayandran,
An enlightened soul and famed world over [3]
He had a minister, ‘Sahib’, by name
Equally enlightened and worldwide famed [4]
A son, too, their equal, ‘Roshan Zameer’,
Most handsome, overlord of treasuries [5]
As ‘Roshan Dil’, was king, both famed and known
Adversaries despatched in puffs of smoke [6]
Likewise his minister, intellectual,
Foe destroyer and man of the people [7]
He had a daughter, a shining beacon,
Named ‘Roshan Dimagh’, for apt good reason [8]
Both children were in the same school enrolled
Many days before had they spent AWOL [9]
Scholar from Rumi country was employed
Remunerated with land and money [10]
Many other children sat in same class
Studying their texts with due diligence [11]
Under their arms they would carry their books
And with due regard study undertook [12]
Two schools then established, seven tongues taught
One for males, other for females, got built [13]
A senior master, employed for males
Senior mistress, likewise, for females [14]
Between the two schools there was built a wall
On one side boys, on the other side girls [15]
In each subject, endeavoured to do well
In competition, others to excel [16]
When asked question, on each, every, book
Answered only in Persian, Arabic [17]
Conversed only on syllabus content
Whether they were good, bad, indifferent [18]
Both prince and minister’s daughter brandished
Sword of scholarship and youthful flourish [19]
When flowers of summer bloomed their zenith
So became excited Cupid, Chinese [20]
 Sparkling first from within son of the king
While with beauty, minister’s girl gracing [21]
As bouquet beautiful of flowers bloomed
So desires delightful hearts consumed [22]
Within separating wall lived a mouse
By way of a hole, had wall creature housed [23]
Looking through which, they could see each other,
Moonlight of the world, sunlight of the earth [24]
By this means, they both fell deeply in love
All learning fled as did care of the world [25]
So much so was their love’s entanglement
They lost handle on life, foothold on land [26]
When classmates noticed change in demeanour
Asked what had become of sun’s, moon’s, splendour? [27]
State of affairs deteriorating,
Master and mistress thought to intervene [28]
‘O light of the sky, sunshine of the world
Why’ve you both so obviously downturned? [29]
What malady has made you both so weak?’
O my darlings, please, for goodness sake, speak [30]
Tell us, what is this pain, that you afflicts,
So cure can concoct, which may you assist’ [31]
Hearing them out, they offered no reply
Hanging their heads, as love intensified [32]
A few days further thereafter elapsed
Before news of the affair, got broadcast [33]
Ignorance of childhood, left far behind
Had arisen, anew, summer, sunshine [34]
The master had unique daughter himself
With beautiful face and intelligence [35]
Recognizing that the two were in love
Took the girl away to sweetly discuss: [36]
‘O sapling tall, moon-faced, silvery girl,
Lamp of the sky, sun of the world [37]
There is absolutely no contrasting,
Our two bodies or our thinking [38]
You can tell me what you are going through,
My life and my soul is burning for you [39]
To keep secrets from friends is a great sin
Telling me the truth for us both best is [40]
To another, will I, never relate
Cleansing my blood, true testimony state [41]
Withholding feelings from friends is a crime
As might minister, truths from sovereign [42]
 Telling friends the truth is counted virtue
Good for the soul, else, is telling the truth’ [43]
Many times she prompted, prompting no response
However many made, sweet inducements [44]
She then called a party, inviting all
Where them all made merry, with alcohol [45]
Under the influence, they’d became drunk
Exposing heart’s wounds, with unruly tongues [46]
While everyone else did exact same,
Lovers spoke, only, but each other’s names [47]
She called then, a musical evening
Only young, handsome, pretty, inviting [48]
Plying alcohol, music sensual,
Out of hand became, passes, casual [49]
But even if asked questions, mundane
Would only, drunk, repeat, their lover’s names [50]
Whatever they’d learnt, love drunken forgot
Remembering each other’s name, apart [51]
As if reunited with long lost friend
Repeated each other’s name without end [52]
The master’s daughter had well recognised
Romantic young sweethearts, barely disguised [53]
Love, fragrance, liquor, blood, can’t stay hidden
One way, other, come out in the open [54]
So it became, in the city, well known,
Prince and minister’s daughter, were in love [55]
When king heard this he called for two boats
In each one of them, each one of them put [56]
In great river were launched both boats afloat
But crashing waves reunited the boats [57]
By the will of God they both became one
As do sun and moon, new moon day upon [58]
Witness power of forces of nature
Two became one by command of Allah [59]
Two boats, bodies, were found joined together
Light of the world and sun of the empire [60]
Boat wended its way into waters deep
Whose waves it tossed like the fresh leaves of spring [61]
Navigating arrived, where lay in wait
About to attack, a voracious snake [62]
On other side, a terrifying witch,
Hands in the air, headless corpses, as if [63]
As the boat passed in between both monsters
The witch suffered a snake bite, poisonous [64]
 She managed to grab snake, nevertheless,
By which means, managed to escape, boat, blessed [65]
Such was the fracas between witch and snake
Neither of them from the river escaped [66]
River raged with such overwhelming waves
God only knows how they could be survived [67]
The voyage continued, tempest amidst
By God were its passengers, saved and blessed [68]
Finally, through the blessings of the Lord
Boat finding river bank, was safely moored [69]
Alighting the boat they landed ashore
By banks of the Yaman, sat on the floor [70]
Seeing them there, came a lion swiftly
To eat the flesh off their bones, instantly [71]
From out of the river came crocodile
To likewise, God willing, make worth his while [72]
Lion thereabouts, into water splashed
Close whereabouts, crocodile had appeared [73]
Evading attack by turning their heads
Into crocodiles mouth fell lion instead [74]
Spitting out, clutching its paw, dragged away
Submerged, to never then see light of day [75]
See what the world’s Creator did construe
Bestowing mercy, luck, lion subsumed [76]
Continued their journey, by will of God,
Son of the king, the minister’s daughter [77]
Entered they, a jungle wilderness, vast
Where, but for God, was no saviour, alas! [78]
Eventually emerging in Habsh,
A country of beasts, little girl and prince [79]
Arriving in a country where a king sat
Wearing golden crown, atop form, night black [80]
Upon sighting both, close summoning them
Declared warriors of faith, alien [81]
‘From which country do you hail, tell me, do?
What is your name and whom do you pursue? [82]
If you do not me, this mystery tell,
As God is my witness, awaits you hell’ [83]
‘Of Mayandra, I am prince regent,
Its minister’s daughter, this young woman’ [84]
What they’d experienced gave true account,
Calamities, one could hardly recount [85]
With mercy overcome, king then announced:
‘My residence, is your residence now [86]
 My minister now, will I you install,
Of many regions, sovereign enthrone’ [87]
No sooner had so declared emperor,
Named, Roshan Zameer, became minister [88]
Staking out all emperor’s enemies,
With God’s blessing, annihilated these [89]
Spilling their blood and usurping their realms
With courage, likewise, dealt any rebel [90]
Which so ever realm, he fired arrow
Death or imprisonment, target followed [91]
After one year and four months had elapsed
His star sparkled brighter than full moon had [92]
Adversaries had serially scorched
Exorcizing old miserable thoughts [93]
One day, the minister’s daughter asked him,
‘Roshan Zameer, sovereign amongst kings, [94]
All at once, have you forgotten, homestead?
Have pomp and pleasure, gone to your head? [95]
Remember again, own sovereign realm
Your father’s city, once more, make your own’ [96]
Casting an eye over his armies, vast
Upon whom lavished, treasuries amassed [97]
Readied an army of young bloods, elite
With weapons, armours, thousands, replete [98]
Armour apart, cannon, ammunition,
Hindustani swords, costly, heavy guns [99]
Persian rifles, strong-bows from China,
Russian suits of armour, sabres from India [100]
Arabian heeled horses, black as night,
Roused elephants, of unmatchable might [101]
Lionhearted warriors, powerful,
Lion hunting brave-hearts, plotting downfalls [102]
Led by he, who could pull down elephants,
Master of assembly, dextrous of hand [103]
Who spearing foe, formed foaming pools of blood,
With poisonous edges, drew dreadful sword [104]
Assembling an army, mountain like,
In decorated young bloods, grouped, comprised [105]
On head wore turban, minister’s daughter,
Around waist, slung sword, quiver on shoulder [106]
Appointed was she, at head of the army,
Like a flooding river, got underway [107]
Like a black cloud, gathered all the forces,
Trembling Earth below and Moon above it [108]
 Once they’d reached enemy territory
More munitions seemed unnecessary [109]
All the forces were adequately armed
With sabres, spears, shields and so on [110]
In no time was the kingdom overrun
Its famous stables and treasures plundered [111]
Such became state of the kingdom at war
As wither the leaves and trees during fall [112]
Annihilating foes they proceeded
To shave heads of further who’d retreated [113]
Fairy faced girl like a lion angered
Had drawn murderous sword from its scabbard [114]
With alacrity, enemy attacked
Wherever finding, surrounding, entrapped [115]
When Mayandra’s king heard of their approach
Unhesitating, in anger encroached [116]
His armies too, had sprung up like springtime
Amassing cannon, weapons of all kinds [117]
Entered affray like a gushing river
Enveloped, from head to foot, in armour [118]
Firing of rifles and pistols was heard
Battlefield sprinkling with flowers of blood [119]
Entered affray too, minister’s daughter,
In one hand bow Chinese, arrow, other [120]
Whenever, wherever, her arrows flew
Hundreds of elephants, warriors, slew [121]
As waves of a river splash hitting rocks
So swords of opponents clashed, sparking sparks [122]
Where one sword, sparked into action, sparkled
There, gleamed new colour, of soil, blood, admixed [123]
Sparkled into action Indian made swords
As alike armies like thunderclouds roared [124]
Likewise was deployed Chinese made strong bow
By clashing of swords, not to be outshone [125]
For miles around could din of war, be heard
Mountains split apart, while rivers shivered [126]
Both earth and sky in exaltation shone
As did swordplay, of soldiers of Yaman [127]
When thrown in anger, decorated spears
So became inflamed, fragile framed mistress [128]
Such was the commotion raised by both sides
From cannons and missiles, earth could not hide [129]
As bows became strung and their arrows twanged
Not to be outshone, sparkling sabres entwined [130]
 Bloodthirsty daggers at once drawing blood,
Snake biting spears sprang from under their hoods [131]
As sky lit up like firework display
So earth bloomed blood red like a rose bouquet [132]
Incessant missile bombardment’s ruckus
Intermingled cries of wounded anguish [133]
The non-stop firing of bows and arrows
Heralded Pandemonium’s chaos [134]
Those moving on land, could find no way through
Nor bird of the sky, unobstructed flew [135]
With such ferocity was sabre plied
So, corpse upon corpse, became piled up high [136]
Heads and limbs mounted up as in silos
Like balls and sticks used for playing polo [137]
Unabated continued cannon fire
Ripping heads from helmets, torsos, attire [138]
Relentlessly, fire of battle, raged on
Scorching the jungle, waters, river from [139]
Like lightening striking, arrows hit targets
Elephant skins amongst, tearing, shredded [140]
One minister came forward to make war,
Brandishing a Mayandrani made sword [141]
Opposing approached, minister’s daughter
With unsheathed sword, from Hindustan brought her [142]
Witnessing flashing of heavy sabres
Opponent’s hearts, in pieces fell shattered [143]
One blow she struck upon his horses head
Which, like a big stone, fell to the floor, dead [144]
A second blow aiming, in half, him cut
Who fell to ground, like a demolished hut [145]
Another on her swooped, like bird of prey
With sword despatched who, in similar way [146]
Dealt with minister with satisfaction
Then another, through similar action [147]
A third, blood soaked demon, thereafter came
Who to gates of hell, was sent, all the same [148]
In two halves him, too, duly bisected
As lions attack an old wilder beast [149]
A fourth lion-heart, entering affray
Attacked as does tiger, upon calf prey [150]
But the fragile one struck such a sword blow
Which felled from his horse attacker below [151]
A fifth demonic aggressor arrived
By single strike wounded, by God’s will died [152]
 Displaying swordplay’s colourful technique
Slashing in half dangling saddle beneath [153]
A sixth drunken demon, determined dint
Speed of an arrow escapes bow, with which [154]
Witnessing how he, too, duly got sliced
Others, silently became terrified [155]
Her personal death count became seven
Under sword succumb and upside down hung [156]
None else desired to make war with her
Not one brave heart, nor any warrior [157]
Mayandra’s king himself, came forward thence
Soldiers filling with enthusiasm [158]
As his cloud-like horse galloped on ahead
Earth, sky, had re-engaged, it seemed to them [159]
Earth and sky again illuminated
Mayandra’s, Hindustan’s, swords exulted [160]
Once more again, strung bows, their arrows twanged
Again cried out wounded and felled men’s pangs [161]
Arrows and rifles again spouted fire
Once again, the earth, bloomed blood red flowers [162]
Deafening commotion replaced silence
Blood thirsty daggers gulped away tankards [163]
The heat of battle glowed luminous hue
When two combatants their shining swords drew [164]
The god of death blew Armageddon’s conch
When fragile fairy battlefield ensconced [165]
The uproar of the battlefield was matched
Only by arms and angst of combatants [166]
Laid down they, a blood red silken carpet
Where boys sit to recite, first alphabets [167]
How many men in battle had succumbed?
Cannot be counted, nor stated by tongue [168]
Vacated war zone, Mayandra’s king
On account of his contingent’s dwindling [169]
Minister’s daughter chased Mayandra’s king
Tying him up after capturing him [170]
Bringing him back to his son, now, her king
Addressing him, beautiful king of kings: [171]
‘I present to you, king of Mayandra,
In captivity, brought to your durbar [172]
If so you order, I shall take his life,
Or, put in prison, in alternative’ [173]
In large prison, placed in captivity,
Usurping country, throne, sovereignty [174]
 Imposing, themselves, God’s ethical rule
Drawing, quartering, those inimical [175]
To those who fight against adversity
God shows great kindness, blessings and mercy [176]
She became rani, he raja became,
With God’s will, they sovereignty reclaimed [177]
Bring me Wine-tender, Oceans of Green Wine
Remove obstruction of curtain, Divine [178]
Bring me Wine-tender, Foreign Green Wine
Which inspires courage, during war time [179]
Hiqayat 11, One Origin, Victory to the Glorious
Guru!
You are Companion through thick and thin
You are Saviour of poor and afflicted [1]
Sovereign, Merciful, Non-Partisan
Maker of all, under sky, over land [2]
Once was heard a tale of Kalinjar’s king
Who built great archway to mark tenancy [3]
He had a son, as handsome as any
Capable of handling his legacy [4]
A wealthy tycoon fathered a daughter
None was her like, a bouquet of flowers [5]
Tycoon’s daughter with the sovereign’s son
Fell in love as does the moon with the sun [6]
She him proposed to make her his woman
And not be afraid of else, anyone [7]
He said he had heard of Hindustan’s king
By name ‘Sher Shah’, ‘lion-king’ by meaning [8]
Who had a uniqueness of character
Would not one grain owned, mix with another’s [9]
Enemy pursued with such persistence
As would a hawk chase an arrogant hen [10]
He once from trader two stallions bought
From Iraq, had been these specimens brought [11]
Much gold and two elephants he paid him
Who, from beyond the Nile, had obtained them [12]
One called Rahu, the other, Surahu
Moved like stags, had intelligence, human [13]
If these two horses, she acquired for him
He would her take home, making woman his [14]
No sooner had she heard him promise so
Arrived in Hindustan, Sher Shah’s home [15]
Situating herself on Jumna’s banks
Partook of meatloaf and alcohol drank [16]
Morning arrived after dark night had passed
She, bales of hay, into river, discharged [17]
When guards spotted something in the river
They became alarmed and somewhat angered [18]
Firing rifle salvos at bales in angst
As when skies open after dark clouds burst [19]
She repeated technique several times
Until, fell asleep, snipers, undermined [20]
 She realized they had fallen asleep
Like wounded or dead felled on battlefield [21]
From there she proceeded on to wherefore
Emperor had established a large fort [22]
Whenever bell ringer would strike the bell
Into the wall she would bury a nail [23]
In this way she climbed atop of the wall
From where she saw the horses, Inshallah! [24]
One of the guards, she cut into two halves
And guarding gateway, second bodyguard [25]
Another’s separated torso, head
Leaving him in a pool of his own blood [26]
A fourth likewise, a fifth she beheaded,
The sixth, with the hilt of her sword, dealt with [27]
Six having killed, she proceeded to where
A seventh at a checkpoint, she ensnared [28]
Seventh killed having fatally wounded
Snatched one of the horses, by God’s willing [29]
She mounting the horse gave it such a jolt
It over the wall into Jumna jumped [30]
Eventually, the horse swam ashore
Leaving emperor, wonderstruck, in awe [31]
Sher Shah, wringing his hands, gnashing his teeth
Wondered who in the world, accomplished feat? [32]
‘Whoever has stolen, this great horse, mine
Them self presents, full pardon, promise I [33]
Alas! If ever, I see their faces
I will them stuff with treasures fantastic [34]
Alas! If perpetrators face, I saw
Would not let anger, overcome my awe [35]
Should they honour me, with their attendance,
I would lavish on them, treasures undreamt’ [36]
He let it be known that he would forgive
The perpetrators, bloodline, life and limb [37]
Turban around head, donning golden gown,
Gold shield gird waist, she went audience bound [38]
‘O lion smiting sovereign, Sher Shah,
How stole your horse, Rahu, I explain now’ [39]
Hearing ‘her’ audacious explanation
Was emperor left, all astonishment [40]
Following quickly, with interjection:
‘I’ll explain, by way of re-inaction’ [41]
Sitting down beside, bank of the river,
Enjoyed meat and drink, consuming liqueur’ [42]
 Like before, into river, bales discharged,
To divert attention of bodyguards [43]
Thereafter, with a little more effort
She swam the river, flowing in earnest [44]
Reaching fort’s ramparts, killing bodyguards,
Left emperor dumbfounded with regard [45]
One watch before the sun slipped horizon
She untied the other horse’s ribbons [46]
First saddling it up, then mounting atop,
The demon like beast, gave a fearful jolt [47]
Making it jump, an incredible height,
Over Sher Shah, into river, took flight [48]
Crossing the river, reaching other shore
Mistress atop, God their freedom restored [49]
Alighting the horse, she saluted king,
In Arabic phrases, addressing him: [50]
‘Why have you intelligence forsaken?
Surahu gifted, Rahu, I’d taken’ [51]
Sher Shah so addressing, took to the road,
Thanking her blessings, God only, bestowed [52]
Countless cavalrymen, to them gave chase
None could them match, nor come within an ace [53]
Throwing down their turbans at Emperor’s feet,
Blamed anoint world sovereign for their defeat [54]
Fleet footed as deer, stallions, none could match
By your own hand one gifted, who could catch? [55]
Why did you demonstrate such laxity?
Lost Raha; Suraha, gave, charity [56]
Supreme stallion specimens prized
God sanctioned, gifted, whom she idolized [57]
He in turn, took her to be wedded wife
Redeeming promise, by God solemnised [58]
Pour me Wine-tender, Ocean addictive,
At time of battle, which is instructive [59]
A mouthful of which, fulfils ambition,
Foes overcomes, incanting destruction [60]
Hiqayat 12, One Origin, Victory to the Glorious
Guru!
Commander, Giver, Ad-Infinitum
Emancipator, Holy Sustenance [1]
Merciful, Kindly, Sanctum-Sanctorum
Limitless, Intimate, Earth, skies, beyond [2]
Heard I anecdote, Khyber origin,
Of an Afghani, whose name was Rahim [3]
He had a wife, beautiful as the moon
Even sovereigns, would swoon over whom [4]
Her veiled eyebrows, as if bows, tightly strung
Eyelashes unleashed, arrow sharp visions [5]
Her facial features made moon redundant
Summer sun shining, in hearts, sovereign [6]
Bow shaped eyebrows belied fragility
Arrows eyes fired, calamitously [7]
Drunken made, her intoxicating eyes
Gardens made, deserted wildernesses [8]
Allied youthful, physical beauty,
Classical, intellectuality [9]
One other Afghan, there lived, Hasan Khan,
Both of mind and body, youthfully strong [10]
They, with one another, so fell in love
That even Laila-Majnu, held heads low [11]
So drunkenly, did they make wanton love
Standing on feet, nor lifting hands, able [12]
When she invited him, into her home
Sensuality, through them overflowed [13]
For several months more, this carried on
Until royal informant, them, told on [14]
Astonished, most, was the Afghan, Rahim
Angered, greatly, taking sword, revenge screamed [15]
When, of her husband’s arrival, she learned
She cut off the head of the one she loved [16]
His body, in a large cauldron, she threw
Covering with spice, lighting fire below [17]
Serving to husband, leftovers, servants
Lovingly offered, to all those present [18]
Pleased, that he could see there, no other man
Returned to kill ‘malicious’ informant [19]
Tender, Wine-tender, an Ocean, Green Wine
To satisfy my need, during wartime [20]
 Holding cup to my face, imbibe, non-stop
Cares of both worlds, be forever forgot [21]

End