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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONGS OF MY CITY: 2. IN THE BAZAARS OF HYDERABAD by SAROJINI NAIDU

First Line: WHAT DO YOU SELL, O YE MERCHANTS?
Last Line: TO PERFUME THE SLEEP OF THE DEAD.
Subject(s): FOLK SONGS - INDIAN; SINGING & SINGERS;

WHAT do you sell, O ye merchants?
Richly your wares are displayed.
@3Turbans of crimson and silver,
Tunics of purple brocade,
Mirrors with panels of amber,
Daggers with handles of jade@1.

What do you weigh, O ye vendors?
@3Saffron and lentil and rice@1.
What do you grind, O ye maidens?
@3Sandalwood, henna, and spice@1.
What do you call, O ye pedlars?
@3Chessmen and ivory dice@1.

What do you make, O ye goldsmiths?
@3Wristlet and anklet and ring,
Bells for the feet of blue pigeons,
Frail as a dragon-fly's wing,
Girdles of gold for the dancers,
Scabbards of gold for the king@1.

What do you cry, O ye fruitmen?
@3Citron, pomegranate, and plum@1.
What do you play, O musicians?
@3Cithar, sarangi, and drum@1.
What do you chant, O magicians?
@3Spells for the æons to come@1.

What do you weave, O ye flower-girls
With tassels of azure and red?
@3Crowns for the brow of a bridegroom,
Chaplets to garland his bed,
Sheets of white blossoms new-gathered
To perfume the sleep of the dead@1.



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