Page:Lalla Rookh - Moore - 1817.djvu/99



Ne'er did the march of MAHADI display Such pomp before;--not even when on his way To MECCA'S Temple, when both land and sea Were spoiled to feed the Pilgrim's luxury; When round him mid the burning sands he saw Fruits of the North in icy freshness thaw, And cooled his thirsty lip beneath the glow Of MECCA'S sun with urns of Persian snow:-- Nor e'er did armament more grand than that Pour from the kingdoms of the Caliphat. First, in the van, the People of the Rock

On their light mountain steeds of royal stock: Then chieftains of DAMASCUS proud to see The flashing of their swords' rich marquetry;-- Men from the regions near the VOLGA'S mouth Mixt with the rude, black archers of the South;