II: When, in the shape of a shield, the…

When, in the shape of a shield, the hair on the forehead is plaited
The roses wreathed therein, impart the intrinsic virtues of the sun.

The live-coal-like ruby in her nose jewel is fire itself;
And the red bulak, like unto a spark of fire, is placed by its side.

The chamkala'i on her forehead is hence red with her lover's blood,
That every jewel therein, for piercing, is like a lancet disposed.

Her eyebrows are a bent bow; her eyelashes, arrows adjusted:
The ornaments of beauty are sometimes a sword; at others, a dagger made.

The devotee of a hundred years is, with one of her glances undone,
When she decketh out her beauteous person, and goeth forth.

When she disposeth her flowing tresses in curls about her face,
To the Ethiop army she accordeth permission, devastation to make.

Her dark eyes she maketh still more black, by the antimony;
And every eyelash she will make moist in her lover's blood.

Soft and tender tales she telleth, but they are all dissimulation:
She casteth her enchantments round the heart, by pretexts and pleas.

For her lover, Tartarus and Elysium are ready provided;
Since the sweet Paradise of conjunction, separation turneth to Hell.

The shadow of love is, undoubtedly, the philosopher's stone;
Since upon whomever it may be rubbed, his body is turned to gold.

The punishment is death, in the creed of passion's votaries,
For him, who entereth love's path, and feareth its struggles and strife.

Never let him, at any time, gaze upon the face of the beloved,
Who may be partial unto life, and for his head may fear.

Like unto the inroads the heart-ravishers make my heart upon--
When do the Khaibaris such upon the Mughals' heads ever make?

THE SEPARATED will not, thro' injustice, turn his back to the beloved;
Though she should make his body red with blood all over!