Religion
II: If I have my own friend chosen, with…
Translated by H. G. Raverty (1867) · From Selections from the Poetry of the Afghans (1867)
If I have my own friend chosen, with the censure attendant thereon;
The world's calumny and detraction I have accepted likewise.
The pangs of separation from her would not have been so great,
Had I, when enjoying her society, constantly lamented and wept.
Like unto the bee, I would have clasped the rose for ever to my breast,
Had I perceived in it the fragrance of constancy and faith.
They who, without asking, bestow, and mention not the obligation,
The generosity of them, above all others, have I ever preferred.
For this reason, the envious wandereth about from door to door,
Because I have driven him away from the threshold of my abode.
Aeabd-ul-Kadir, at that time, everlasting life acquired,
When, with the sword of her glances, she deprived me of life.
Cite this poem
MLA
Khattak, Abd-ul-Kadir Khan. “II: If I have my own friend chosen, with….” Translated by H. G. Raverty. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/abd-ul-kadir-khan-khattak/1/.
Chicago
Khattak, Abd-ul-Kadir Khan. “II: If I have my own friend chosen, with….” Translated by H. G. Raverty. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/abd-ul-kadir-khan-khattak/1/.
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