| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895. |
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| The Fair Circassian |
| | | Richard Garnett (1835–1906) |
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| FORTY Viziers saw I go | |
| Up to the Seraglio, | |
| Burning, each and every man, | |
| For the fair Circassian. | |
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| Ere the morn had disappear’d, | 5 |
| Every Vizier wore a beard; | |
| Ere the afternoon was born, | |
| Every Vizier came back shorn. | |
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| “Let the man that woos to win | |
| Woo with an unhairy chin;” | 10 |
| Thus she said, and as she bid | |
| Each devoted Vizier did. | |
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| From the beards a cord she made, | |
| Loop’d it to the balustrade, | |
| Glided down and went away | 15 |
| To her own Circassia. | |
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| When the Sultan heard, wax’d he | |
| Somewhat wroth, and presently | |
| In the noose themselves did lend | |
| Every Vizier did suspend. | 20 |
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| Sages all, this rhyme who read, | |
| Guard your beards with prudent heed, | |
| And beware the wily plans | |
| Of the fair Circassians. | |
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