Cast Off Thy Veil

Cast off thy veil, and heaven and earth in dazzling light array!
As radiant Paradise, this poor demented world display!

Move thou thy lips, make play the ripples light of Kevser's pool!
Let loose thy scented locks, and odours sweet through earth convey!

A musky warrant by thy down was traced, and zephyr charged: —
"Speed, with this scent subdue the realms of China and Cathay!"

O heart! should not thy portion be the Water bright of Life,
A thousand times mayst thou pursue Iskender's darksome way.

O Zeyneb, woman's love of earthly show leave thou behind;
Go manly forth, with single heart, forsake adornment gay!