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The Falconer's Prey
If weary my heart should thy secret betray,
Or lay bare to all what within me doth stay—
Till voices from unseen in my song shall rise,
One breath I become thy companion true.
No prey like to thee may the falconer claim,
And if I be lost, none bringeth my name.
Last night no tidings of thee came to me,
Nor word of thy beauty, nor glance fair to see.
A host is enthralled by thy promise of grace,
Like partridges chasing the hawk in the chase.
Each king that hath passed by thy street, full of fire,
Could ne'er lift his head from the snare of thy pride's desire.
O heart, now accept—for there never shall be
A flight from the snare of her dark locks for thee.
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Explanatory Footnotes:
1. thy / thee / thine - Archaic English forms for "you / your," used for direct address.
2. doth / hath / bringeth / ne’er - Archaic verb forms: "does / has / brings / never." Adds classical, poetic tone.
3. falconer - A hunter with a hawk; metaphorically represents someone attempting to “capture” the beloved.
4. prey like to thee - The object of the falconer’s hunt; the beloved who cannot be seized.
5. companion true - A faithful friend or intimate partner; corresponds to “one who shares heart and soul.”
6. tidings - News or messages, especially from the beloved.
7. enthralled - Completely captivated or enchanted; describes those devoted to the hope of union.
8. Like partridges chasing the hawk - A metaphorical image of pursuing something powerful yet elusive; preserves original Persian imagery.
9. snare of thy pride's desire - Represents the beloved’s pride or haughtiness as an obstacle or trap.
10. dark locks - Refers to the beloved’s hair; “snare” indicates the captivating, entrapping power of beauty.
11. flight - The attempt to escape or flee; metaphorical for the lover’s effort to free themselves from the beloved’s spell.
Copyright ©
Saeed Koushan
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