Women's Eyes

Found some copied poetry in an old journal.
They're from
Women's Eyes
--Being verses translated from the Sanskrit,
by Arthur William Ryder, 1910.
(You can read a copy of the original book here.)
They were originally written
by Bhartrihari, 5th century, in Ujjain.
He is known as a philosopher, poet, and king.
He suffered from an unfaithful wife
and so his poetry shows some disdain for women;
but, he really writes about love . . .
and other things in life.
I'm sure that Ryder takes some liberties,
especially to make the rhymes, but they're still nice.
These are some of my favorites.

p. 6
A diamond you may draw from an alligator's jaw;
You may cross the raging ocean like a pool;
A cobra you may wear like a blossom in your hair;
But you never can convince a stubborn fool.

p. 86
The wise misogynist, poor soul,
To self-deceit is given;
For heaven rewards his self-control,
And women swarm in heaven.

p. 11
When I knew a little bit,
Then my silly, blinded wit,
Mad as elephants in rut,
Thought it was omniscient; but,
When I learned a little more
From the scholar's hoarded store,
Madness' fever soon grew cool,
And I knew I was a fool.

p. 78
The classic poets make a great mistake;
Forever of the weaker sex they speak;
When gods are subjugated for the sake
Of starry glances, are the women weak?
.
.
.