Page:A happy half-century and other essays.djvu/50

 of Moorish Lochinvars, who snatch away the fair daughters—or perhaps the fair wives—of powerful rajahs, captivated their imaginations. Gazelles trot like poodles through these stories, and lend colour to their robust Saxon atmosphere. In one, a neglected "favourite" wins back her lord's affection by the help of a slave-girl's amulet; and the inconstant Moslem, entering the harem, exclaims, "Beshrew me that I ever thought another fair!"—which sounds like a penitent Tudor.

and our oriental literature was compounded of the same simple ingredients. When the New York "Mirror," under the guidance of the versatile Mr. Willis, tried to be impassioned and sensuous, it dropped into such wanton lines as these to a "Sultana":—

And for this must Lord Byron stand responsible.