Classic Poem

D ESCRIPTION OF C IRCASSIAN W OMEN

Ah! her cheek doth rob the fair sun of its sight,
And her sweet grace envy brings to Venus bright;
Like to moons are the Circassian damsels fair;
Whatsoe'er the lover seeks he findeth there.
Like to tall palm-trees their slender forms in grace,
Or a ladder to the clear moon of the face.
With the two feet of the eyes doth one ascend,
But the vision of the mind too one must bend.
Since their lips and cheeks are taverns of wine,
Is it strange their eyes inebriate should shine?
Since like rubies are created their two lips,
Doubly seared the lover's heart, like the tulip's.
Since their bodies are distilled from moon and sun,
How an equal to their pure frame find can one?
Though they lovelier than Georgians may be,
Still in Georgians one will great attractions see.
Closely curtained sit they all in virtue's place;
Pure of skirt is ever this unrivaled race;
Pure and free from stain is every act of theirs;
Not a soil the vestment of their honor bears;
Marked with chastity indeed, of noble heart,
Ever seeking to fulfill the righteous part;
Bright with bounty and fidelity and sense,
How that blessed nature glows with light intense!
Think not with this race that any can compare
Upon earth, unless it be the Georgian fair.