_Taza ba taza, now ba now_."

"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,
_Taza ba taza, now ba now_;
Ever, like sunset, splendid and new,
_Taza ba taza, now ba now_."

"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,
_Taza ba taza, now ba now_;
Ever delicious and new alway,
_Taza ba taza, now ba now_."

"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,
_Taza ba taza, now ba now_;
Love is the rose-bloom that ever glows,
_Taza ba taza, now ba now_."

Akbar, the mighty one, smiled to hear
The musical strain so soft and clear;
Danced the diamonds over his brow
To _taza ba taza, now ba now_:
His lovely ladies rocked in a row
To _taza ba taza, now ba now_;

Livelier sparkled the fountain's flow,
_Boose sittan ba kaum uzo_;
Swifter and sweeter the strings did go,
_Mutrib i khoosh nuwa bejo_;
Never such singing was heard, I trow;
_Taza ba taza, now ba now_.

_THE MUSSULMAN PARADISE_.

(_From the Arabic of the Fifty-sixth Surat of the Koran, entitled "The
Inevitable._")

When the Day of Wrath and Mercy cometh, none shall doubt it come;
Unto hell some it shall lower, and exalt to heaven some.

When the Earth with great shocks shaketh, and the mountains crumble
flat,
Quick and Dead shall be divided fourfold:--on this side and that.

The "Companions of the Right Hand" (ah! how joyful they will be!)
The "Companions of the Left Hand" (oh! what misery to see!)

Such, moreover, as of old times loved the truth, and taught it well,
First in faith, they shall be foremost in reward. The rest to hell.

But those souls attaining Allah, oh! the Gardens of good cheer
Kept to bless them! Yea, besides the "faithful," many shall be there.

Lightly lying on soft couches, beautiful with 'broidered gold,
Friends with friends, they shall be served by youth