(Bal-e-Jibril-161) Tatari Ka Khawab

Tatari Ka Khawab
The Tartar’s Dream

Kahin Sajjada-o-Umama Rahzan
Kahin Tarsa Bachon Ki Chashme-e-Bebaak!

Prayer‐mat and priestly turban have turned footpad,
With wanton boysʹ bold glances men are flattered;

Ridaye Deen-o-Millat Para Para
Qabaye Mulk-o-Doulat Chaak Dar Chaak!

The Churchʹs mantle and the creed in shreds,
The robe of State and nation torn and tattered.

Mera Eiman To Hai Baqi-o-Lekin
Na Kha Jaye Kahin Shuale Ko Khashaak!

I cling to faith but may its spark not soon
Lie quenched under these rubbish‐heaps thick‐scattered!

Hawa-e-Tund Ki Moujon Mein Mehsoor
Samar-o-Bukhara Ki Kaf-e-Khak!

Bokharaʹs humble dust and Samarkandʹs
The turbulent billows of many winds have battered.

“Bagar Da Gard-e-Khud Chandan Ke Beenam
Bila Anghastari-o-Mann Nageenam”

A gem set in a ring of misery
That circles me on every side, am I.*

Yakayak Hil Gyi Khak-e-Samar Qand
Utha Taimoor Ki Turbat Se Ek Noor

Suddenly quivered the dust of Samarkand,
And from an ancient tomb a light shone, pure

Shafaq Amaiz Thi Uss Ki Safaidi
Sada Ayi Ke “Main Hun Rooh-e-Taimoor

As the first gleam of daybreak, and a voice
Was heard:—“I am the spirit of Timur!

Agar Mehsoor Hain Mardan-e-Tatar
Nahin Allah Ki Taqdeer Mehsoor

Chains may hold fast the men of Tartary,
But Godʹs firm purposes no bonds endure

Taqaza Zindagi Ka Kya Yehi Hai
Ke Turani Ho Turani Se Mehjoor?

Is this what life holds—that Turaniaʹs peoples
All hope in one another must abjure?

‘Khudi Ra Souz-o-Ta Be Degare Dah
Jahan Ra Inqilabe Degare Dah”

Call in the soul of man a new fire to birth!
Cry a new revolution over the earth!”

*This couplet is anonymous. Nasiruddin Tusi quoted it, probably in Sharah Isharat.