History & Politics

XXXVI: The Turanis are all turbulent, quarrelsome, and oppressive

by Khushhal Khan Khattak 1613–1689

Translated by H. G. Raverty (1867) · From Selections from the Poetry of the Afghans (1867)

History & Politics

The Turanis are all turbulent, quarrelsome, and oppressive;
Liars, perjurers, and concoctors of calumny and slander.

The Iranis are of a friendly disposition--they are true and faithful:
They have urbanity, and breeding--are respectable and deserving.

The Afghans are malevolent, and ruthless, and contentious;
But give them for their modesty and valour due praise.

Whether Baluch or Hazarah, both are dirty, and abominable:
They have neither religion nor faith--may shame attend them!

Whether Hindustani or Sindhi, may their faces be blackened;
For they have neither modesty nor shame; neither bread nor meat!

The Kashmiris, whether male or female--may they all be undone!
They have none of the chattels of humanity amongst them.

Behold! they are not of the human race--what are they?
May perdition swallow them--both Uzbak and Kazalbash!

The Laghmanis, Bangas'his, Suwatis, Tirahis--all of them,
Are dancers and fiddlers--and who will be friends with such?

Unto him, all matters are manifest, regarding other folks' ways;
Then render unto Khushhal's shrewdness, its due meed of praise.

MLA

Khattak, Khushhal Khan. “XXXVI: The Turanis are all turbulent, quarrelsome, and oppressive.” Translated by H. G. Raverty. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/khushhal-khan-khattak/35/.

Chicago

Khattak, Khushhal Khan. “XXXVI: The Turanis are all turbulent, quarrelsome, and oppressive.” Translated by H. G. Raverty. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/khushhal-khan-khattak/35/.

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