Classic Poem

(1)

Hajji, the market's brisk, the bidding high;
Here comes the auctioneer! Who'll buy? Who'll buy
I'm here the Persian land to sell or pawn,
The pride and honour of each Musulman,
Both Qum and Rasht, both Qazwin and Kashan,
Yazd, Khwansar, every city of Íran.
All's up for auction at a figure fair:
Come, gentlemen, where is a bidder, where?

(2)

Of Liberals I am the stalwart foe:
I'd like to kill them all, as well you know!
I represent Shaykh Fazlu'llah and Co.,
Brokers, who hawk Religion to and fro,
Here is the carcase. Gentlemen, draw near!
Who'll buy? Who'll buy? Here comes the auctioneer!

(3)

My countrymen I loathe and execrate;
My country is the object of my hate!
I represent our Monarch wise and great,
Who to my hands commits the Nation's fate!
'Tis time for breakfast. Put this business through!
Who bids? Who bids? Come Sir, a bid from you!

(4)

At Shahr-i-Naw behold the patriots' post!
Scattered at Karach is the Cossack host!
Well may I rave, or e'en give up the ghost!
Let's sell the land to him who offers most!
What offer for this richly-wrought brocade
With gold enwoven? Is no offer made?

(5)

Who wants these trumpets, drums and flags to own?
Who'd make the Lion and the Sun his own?
Who'll make a bid for Persian Jamshid's throne?
Kay's crown, Jam's sceptre in with these are thrown!
For this fine horse and for this bridle rare
Who'll make a bid? Where is an offer, where?

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