Page:Lalla Rookh - Moore - 1817.djvu/31



Once happy pair!--In proud BOKHARA'S groves, Who had not heard of their first youthful loves? Born by that ancient flood, which from its spring In the dark Mountains swiftly wandering, Enriched by every pilgrim brook that shines With relics from BUCHARIA'S ruby mines. And, lending to the CASPIAN half its strength, In the cold Lake of Eagles sinks at length;-- There, on the banks of that bright river born, The flowers that hung above its wave at morn Blest not the waters as they murmured by With holier scent and lustre than the sigh And virgin-glance of first affection cast Upon their youth's smooth current as it past! But war disturbed this vision,--far away From her fond eyes summoned to join the array Of PERSIA'S warriors on the hills of THRACE, The youth exchanged his sylvan dwelling-place