The Rao of Ilore

I was sold to the Rao of Ilore,Slender and tall was he.When his litter carried him down the streetI peeped through the thatch to see.Ah, the eyes of the Rao of Ilore,My lover that was to be!

The hair that lay on his youthful browWas curled like an ocean wave;His eyes were lit with a tender smile,But his lips were soft and grave.For sake of these things I was still with joyWhen the silver coins were paid,And they took me up to the Palace gates,Delighted and unafraid.Ah, the eyes of the Rao of Ilore,May never their brilliance fade!

So near was I to the crown of life!Ten thousand times, alas!The Diwan leant from the latticed hall,Looked down and saw me pass.He begged for me from the Rao of Ilore,Who answered, "She is thine,

Thou wert ever more than a father to me,And thy desires are mine."Ah, the eyes of the Rao of IloreThat never had looked in mine!

My years were spent in the Diwan's Courts,My youth died down that day.For sake of thine own content of mindMy lost beloved, I prayThat never my Lord a love may knowLike that he threw away.Ah, the eyes of the Rao of Ilore,Who threw my life away!