They glitter and drift and swoon

To the dulcimer's languishing tune;

In the liquid light like stars,

And moons and nenuphars.

[Pg 22]

Carbuncles, tragacanth-red,

Smoulder in armlet and anklet;

Gleaming on breast and on head

Bangles of coins, that are angled,

Tinkle; and veils, that are spangled,

Flutter from coiffure and wrist

Like a star-bewildered mist.

Each dancing-girl is a flower

Of the Tuba from vales of El Liwa.—

How the bronzen censers glower!

And scents of ambergris pour

And myrrh brought of Lahore,

And musk of Khoten! how good

Is the scent of the sandal-wood!

A lutanist smites her lute;

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