(Zarb-e-Kaleem-171) Mussolini

Mussolini
(Apne Mashriqi Aur Maghribi Hareefon Se)
(To his rivals east and west)

Kiya Zamane Se Nirala Hai Missulini Ka Jurm!
Be-Mehal Bighra Hai Masooman-e-Yourap Ka Mazaj

What, are crimes like Mussolini’s so unheard of in this age?
Why should they put Europe’s goodies into such a silly rage?

Main Phatakta Hun To Chalni Ko Bura Lagta Hai Kyun
Hain Sabhi Tehzeeb Ke Auzar ! Tu Chhalni, Main Chhaj

Need the pot feel so indigent when the kettle wears a blot?
We are Culture’s twin utensils—I the kettle, you the pot.

Mere Soda’ay Mulookiat Ko Thukrate Ho Tum
Tum Ne Kya Torhe Nahin Kamzor Qoumon Ke Zujaj?

You have watched my lust for conquest and dominion with a frown—
But have you not knocked the brittle walls of feeble countries down?

Ye Ajaeb Shaubde Kis Ki Mulookiat Ke Hain
Rajdahani Hai, Magar Baqi Na Raja Hai Na Raaj

To whose empires is that clever piece of trickery so dear,
By which royal seats survive but kings and kingdoms disappear.

Aal Seezar Chob-e-Ne Ki Aabyarimein Rahe
Aur Tum Dunya Ke Banjar Bhi Na Choro Be Kharaaj!

We, the children of the Caesars, strove to water heath and sand—
You could never bear to leave untaxed the earth’s most barren land!

Tum Ne Loote Ne-Nawa Sehra Nasheenon Ke Khayam
Tum Ne Looti Kisht-e-Dehqan, Tum Ne Loote Takht-o-Taaj

You have plundered tents of nomads of the little wealth they own,
You have plundered peasants ploughlands, you have plundered crown and throne—

Parda-e-Tehzeeb Mein Gharat Gari, Adam Gari
Kal Rawa Rakhi Thi Tum Ne, Main Rawa Rakhta Hun Aaj !

And that looting and that killing—in a civilized way—
Yesterday you, you defended! I defend it now to‐day.

22 August 1935 Bhopal (Sheesh-Mahal) Mein Likhe Gye