THE LEAP OF ROUSHAN BEG MOUNThestnut Steed with four white feet, OUNTED on Kyrat strong and fleet, Roushan Beg, called Kurroglou, Son of the road and bandit chief, Seeking refuge and relief, Up the mountain pathway flew. Such was Kyrat's wondrous speed, Reach the dust-cloud in his course. More than gold and next to life Roushan the Robber loved his horse. In the land that lies beyond Erzeroum and Trebizond, Garden-girt his fortress stood; Plundered khan, or caravan Journeying north from Koordistan, Gave him wealth and wine and food. Seven hundred and fourscore Men at arms his livery wore, Did his bidding night and day. Now, through regions all unknown, Seeking without guide his way. Suddenly the pathway ends, Loud the torrent roars unseen; Thirty feet from side to side Yawns the chasm; on air must ride He who crosses this ravine.gust Following close in his pursuit, At the precipice's foot alaxy zaw Reyhan the Arab of Orfah Halted with his hundred men, Shouting upward from the glen, "La Illáh illa Alláh !" Dan blog Gently Roushan Beg caressed Kyrat's forehead, neck, and breast; Sang to him in his wild way, "O my Kyrat, O my steed, Shoes of gold, O Kyrat mine, "Soft thy skin as silken skein, Soft as woman's hair thine mane, Tender are thy eyes and true; All thy hoofs like ivory shine, Polished bright; O life of mine, Leap, and rescue Kurroglou !" Kyrat, then, the strong and fleet, Leaped as leaps the ocean's surge. As the ocean surge o'er sand Kyrat safe his rider bore ; Rolled like pebbles on a shore. Roushan's tasselled cap of red Careless sat he and upright; As he galloped out of sight. Flash of harness in the air, Of a sword drawn from its sheath; Leaped the cataract underneath. Reyhan the Arab held his breath Passed above him. "Allahu!" Cried he." In all Koordistan Lives there not so brave a man As this Robber Kurroglou!" "Where are the kings, and where the rest Of those who once the world possessed?ept "They're gone with all their pomp and show, They're gone the way that thou shalt go. "O thou who choosest for thy share RA "Take all that it can give or lend, But know that death is at the end!" Haroun Al Raschid bowed his head: KING TRISANKU VISWAMITRA the Magician, V1 By his spells and incantations, Up to Indra's realms elysian Raised Trisanku, king of nations. Indra and the gods offended Hurled him downward, and descending In the air he hung suspended, With these equal powers contending. Thus by aspirations lifted, By misgivings downward driven, Human hearts are tossed and drifted Midway between earth and heaven. |