So that the philosophical beholder Sigh'd for their sakes-that they should e'er grow older. * The dinner made about a hundred dishes; Lamb and pistachio nuts-in short, all meats, And saffron soups, and sweetbreads; and the fishes Were of the finest that e'er flounced in nets; Drest to a Sybarite's most pamper'd wishes; The beverage was of various sherbets Of raisin, orange, and pomegranate juice, Squeezed through the rind, which makes it best for use. These were ranged round, each in its crystal ewer, And fruits and date-bread loaves closed the re past, And Mocha's berry, from Arabia pure, In small fine China cups, came in at last; Gold cups of filagree made to secure The hand from burning underneath them placed, Cloves, cinnamon, and saffron too were boil'd Up with the coffee, which (I think) they spoil'd. The hangings of the room were tapestry, made These oriental writings on the wall, Quite common in those countries, are a kind Of monitors adapted to recall, Like skulls at Memphian banquets, to the mind The words which shook Belshazzar in his hall, And took his kingdom from him; you will find, Though sages may pour out their wisdom's treasure, There is no sterner moralist than pleasure. Haidee and Juan carpeted their feet On crimson satin, border'd with pale blue; Their sofa occupied three parts complete Of the apartment-and appear'd quite new ; The velvet cushions-(for a throne more meet)— Were scarlet, from whose glowing centre grew A sun emboss'd in gold, whose rays of tissue, Meridian-like, were seen all light to issue. Crystal and marble, plate and porcelain, Had done their work of splendour; Indian mats And Persian carpets, which the heart bled to stain, Over the floors were spread; gazelles and cats, And dwarfs and blacks, and such like things, that gain Their bread as ministers and favourites-(that's To say, by degradation)—mingled there As plentiful as in a court or fair. There was no want of lofty mirrors, and With mother-of-pearl or ivory, stood at hand, Or were of tortoise-shell or rare woods made, Fretted with gold or silver-by command, Of all the dresses I select Haidee's: She wore two jelicks-one was of pale yellow; Of azure, pink, and white, was her chemise'Neath which her breast heaved like a little billow; With buttons form'd of pearls as large as pease, All gold and crimson shone her jelick's fellow, And the striped white gauze baracan that bound her, Like fleecy clouds about the moon, flow'd round her. One large gold bracelet clasp'd each lovely arm, Around, as princess of her father's land, Her hair was starr'd with gems; her veil's fine fold Below her breast was fasten'd with a band Of lavish pearls, whose worth could scarce be told; T Her orange-silk full Turkish trowsers furl'd Her hair's long auburn waves down to her heel The silken fillet's curb, and sought to shun Their bonds whene'er some Zephyr caught began To offer his young pinion as her fan. Round her she made an atmosphere of life, Her eyelashes, though dark as night, were tinged And in her native beauty stood avenged: Her nails were touch'd with henna; but again The power of art was turn'd to nothing, for They could not look more rosy than before. The henna should be deeply dyed to make The eye might doubt if it were well awake, Juan had on a shawl of black and gold, His turban, furl'd in many a graceful fold, And now they were diverted by their suite, Dwarfs, dancing-girls, black eunuchs, and a poet; Which made their new establishment complete ; The last was of great fame and liked to show it: His verses rarely wanted their due feet And for his theme-he seldom sung below it, He being paid to satirize or flatter, As the psalms say, "inditing a good matter." FIRST LOVE. "TIS sweet to hear At midnight, on the blue and moonlit deep, The song and oar of Adria's gondolier, By distance mellow'd, o'er the waters sweep; |