Religion
LV: A white beard is a mark of respectability…
Translated by H. G. Raverty (1867) · From Selections from the Poetry of the Afghans (1867)
A white beard is a mark of respectability among men;
But the falling out of the teeth is a discredit and reproach.
When a man's teeth are in their place, though the beard be white,
There is no old age in that; far from it, there is youthfulness.
Let not the old man trouble himself concerning old age,
If his eyesight be good, and free from all signs of failing.
What is the sight of a sweetheart, unto an old man?
Really and truly, it is mummy for the wounds of the heart.
Would the monk ever relinquish love entirely? No, no!
Unto it, he cannot attain; hence his devotion and piety.
Although the age of Khushhal hath gone beyond seventy years;
Yet, in his heart, are still, love and affection for the fair.
Cite this poem
MLA
Khattak, Khushhal Khan. “LV: A white beard is a mark of respectability….” Translated by H. G. Raverty. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/khushhal-khan-khattak/54/.
Chicago
Khattak, Khushhal Khan. “LV: A white beard is a mark of respectability….” Translated by H. G. Raverty. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/khushhal-khan-khattak/54/.
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