Page:Oriental Sketches Dramatic Sketches and Tales.pdf/32

Rh

The boast of India's sunny land Mid fertile plains and waving woods, In shining pomp sublimely grand, Where Ganges spreads its sacred floods— The holy city's temples glow Reflected in the stream below. A mass of cupolas and towers, Arches, and pillared colonnades, And flat-roofed palaces, where flowers Are clust'ring round the balustrades. And there from the Zenana's halls, Stealing when eve reveals its stars, The dark-eyed maids hold festivals, And listen to the soft sitars, Hymning those sweet and gentle themes Which young hearts picture in their dreams.

Oh bright, Benares! are thy domes, And beautiful thy sacred groves, Where ring-doves make their blissful homes And the white bull unfettered roves;