Page:The Bengali Book of English Verse.djvu/69

Rh Nor rock nor sea could add a grace, So perfect seems the hallowed place.

Casuarinas in solemn range, At distance look like verdant hills; And winds draw from them music strange, Such as the tide makes when it fills Some shingle-strown and land-girt bay From men and cities far away.

And round, as far as eye can reach What vivid piles of foliage green! Mango and shaddock, plum and peach, And palms like pillars tall between: An emerald sea surrounds the nest, A sea for ever charmed in rest.

What roses blossom on the lawn! What warblers on the bamboo boughs, Lithe and elastic, swing at dawn, And pour their orisons and vows! What dew upon the greensward lies! How lovingly look down the skies!

And at high noon when every tree Stands brooding on its round of shade, And cattle to the shelter flee And there, in groups recumbent laid, Gaze ruminant—what deep repose Lies on the landscape as it glows!

But most at evening's gentle hour The reign of Peace is clearly read, In the blue mists which hail her power, Pavilions rich and banners spread, While 'mid the hush is heard the tone Of night's sweet minstrel—hers alone.