Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TAZA BA TAZA by EDWIN ARNOLD

Poet Analysis

First Line: AKBAR SATE HIGH IN THE IVORY WALL
Last Line: TAZA BA TAZA, NOW BA NOW.
Subject(s): MUSIC & MUSICIANS;
AKBAR sate high in the ivory hall,
His chief musician he bade them call;
Sing, said the king, that song of glee,
@3Taza ba taza, now ba now@1.
Sing me that music sweet and free,
@3Taza ba taza, now ba now;@1
Here by the fountain sing it thou,
@3Taza ba taza, now ba now@1.

Bending full low, his minstrel took
The Vina down from its painted nook,
Swept the strings of silver so
@3Taza ba taza, now ba now;@1
Made the gladsome Vina go
@3Taza ba taza, now ba now;@1
Sang with light strains and brightsome brow
@3Taza ba taza, now ba now@1.
"What is the lay for love most fit?
What is the melody echoes it?
Ever in tune and ever meet,
@3Taza ba taza, now ba now;@1
Ever delightful and ever sweet
@3Taza ba taza, now ba now;@1
Soft as the murmur of love's first vow,
@3Taza ba taza, now ba now.@1"

"What is the bliss that is best on earth?
Lovers' light whispers and tender mirth;
Bright gleams the sun on the Green Sea's isle
But a brighter light has a woman's smile:
Ever, like sunrise, fresh of hue,
@3Taza ba taza, now ba now;@1
Ever, like sunset, splendid and new,
@3Taza ba taza, now ba now.@1"

"Thereunto groweth the graceful vine
To cool the lips of lovers with wine,
Haste thee and bring the amethyst cup,
That happy lovers may drink it up;
And so renew their gentle play,
@3Taza ba taza, now ba now;@1
Ever delicious and new alway,
@3Taza ba taza, now ba now.@1"

"Thereunto sigheth the evening gale
To freshen the cheeks which love made pale;
This is why bloometh the scented flower,
To gladden with grace love's secret bower:
Love is the zephyr that always blows,
@3Taza ba taza, now ba now;@1
Love is the rose-bloom that ever glows,
@3Taza ba taza, now ba now.@1"

Akbar, the mighty one, smiled to hear
The musical strain so soft and clear;
Danced the diamonds over his brow
To @3taza ba taza, now ba now;@1
His lovely ladies rocked in a row
To @3taza ha taza, now ba now;@1
Livelier sparkled the fountain's flow,
@3Boose sittan ba kaum uzo;@1
Swifter and sweeter the strings did go,
@3Mutrib i khooshnud wa bejo;@1
Never such singing was heard, I trow;
@3Taza ba taza, now ba now@1.



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