Page:Tales and Historic Scenes.pdf/143



foes had girt thee with their dread array, O stately Alexandria!—yet the sound Of mirth and music, at the close of day, Swell'd from thy splendid fabrics, far around O'er camp and wave. Within the royal hall, In gay magnificence the feast was spread; And, brightly streaming from the pictured wall, A thousand lamps their trembling lustre shed O'er many a column, rich with precious dyes, That tinge the marble's vein, 'neath Afric's burning skies.