Chereads / Stepping stone. / Chapter 3 - In the bazaars of Hyderabad

Chapter 3 - In the bazaars of Hyderabad

What do you sell,O ye merchants?

Richly your wares are displayed,

Turbans of crimson and silver,

Tunics of purple brocade,

Mirrors with panels of amber,

Daggers with handels of jade.

What do you weigh,O ye vendors?

Saffron and lentil and rice.

What do you grind,O ye maidens?

Sandalwood,henna and spice.

What do you call,O ye pedlars?

Chessmen and ivory dice.

What do you make,O ye goldsmiths

Wristlet and anklet and ring,

Bells for the fell of blue pigeons,

Frail as a dragon-fly's wing,

Girdles of gold for the dancers,

Scabbards of gold for the king.

What do you cry, O ye fruitmen?

Citron, pomegranate and plum.

What do you play, O musicians?

Sitar, sarangi and drum.

What do you chant, O magicians?

Spells for the acons to come.

What do you weave, O ye flower-girls?

With tassels of azure and red?

ar

eautyCrowns for the brow of a bridegroom,

Chaplets to garland his bed.

Sheets of white blossoms, new

garnered To perfume the sleep of

the dead.