|
|
|
|
Kayıkçı Kul Mustafa (17th century) Ballad to Young Osman When first we marched on Baghdat town, Young Osman leapt across the moat, The flag the fallen bearer dropped He hoisted on the castle wall.
Saddle both my dappled greys, That I may ride against the foe! Before the morning prayers were said, Young Osman swept through the city Gates.
Said Sultan Murad, send him to me, This hero of whose deed I’ve heard, Three-horsetail rank shall I confer On Young Osman with the bloodstained sword.
Kul Mustafa was on patrol When cannon balls rained on our side, When cursed Baghdat claimed its toll Young Osman led the brave who died. (Translated by Nermin Menemencioğlu, 101Poems by 101Poets An Anthology of Turkish Poetry) |