Page:Oriental Sketches Dramatic Sketches and Tales.pdf/70

Rh

Pigeons and kids, and rich pillaus, And kaaries bright with golden glow; While from each sculptured silver vase The many coloured sherbets flow. Plucked from the river's sandy bed, The gushing water melons shed Their grateful streams; and there in piles, Heaped up the glossy mango smiles; Citrons, pomegranates, and the bright Pistachio nut from far Thibet; And grapes that gleam with topaz light, And sweetmeats in a glistening net Of frosted sugar heaped around, And all with flower-wreathed garlands crowned.

Thus gaily sped the chieftain's hours, Or still more happily, amid The bright Zenana's sacred bowers, Where in her sweet seclusion hid,