Page:Oriental Sketches Dramatic Sketches and Tales.pdf/76

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One balmy eve, with flaming torch And crystal lamp, each wide saloon, Verandah, gallery, and porch, Shone with the gorgeous light of noon. The gayest of their festivals— The ductile fingered jugglers came, And featly poised the golden balls, In sparkling founts and showers of flame; There too in strange and fitful dance To the soft breathings of a flute The many-coloured serpents glance, And o'er the marble pavement shoot; And there with necromantic skill The shrewd magician played his part; The raptured croud were gazing still With wonder on his potent art, All heedless of the murmuring sound In distant chambers gathering round— A sudden simultaneous cry The preconcerted signal gave,