ZULEIKAH! The young Agas in the bazaar are slim-wasted and wear <br />yellow slippers. I am old and hideous. One of my eyes is out, and <br />the hairs of my beard are mostly gray. Praise be to Allah! I am a <br />merry bard. <br /> <br />There is a bird upon the terrace of the Emir's chief wife. Praise <br />be to Allah! He has emeralds on his neck, and a ruby tail. I am a <br />merry bard. He deafens me with his diabolical screaming. <br /> <br />There is a little brown bird in the basket-maker's cage. Praise be <br />to Allah! He ravishes my soul in the moonlight. I am a merry bard. <br /> <br />The peacock is an Aga, but the little bird is a Bulbul. <br /> <br />I am a little brown Bulbul. Come and listen in the moonlight. <br />Praise be to Allah! I am a merry bard.<br /><br />William Makepeace Thackeray<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-merry-bard/
