Part 125 (1/2)

Yes, a world where life is moving,

Which, with impulse full and strong, Could forbode the Bulbul's loving,

Sweet, and spirit-stirring song.

Since they thus have swell'd our joy,

Should such torments grieve us, then?

Doth not Timur's rule destroy

Myriad souls of living men?

1815.*

----- VIII. SULEIKA NAME.

BOOK OF SULEIKA.

ONCE, methought, in the night hours cold,

That I saw the moon in my sleep; But as soon as I waken'd, behold

Unawares rose the sun from the deep.

THAT Suleika's love was so strong

For Joseph, need cause no surprise;

He was young, youth pleaseth the eyes,--

He was fair, they say, beyond measure

Fair was she, and so great was their pleasure.

But that thou, who awaitedst me long, Youthful glances of fire dost throw me, Soon wilt bless me, thy love now dost show me, This shall my joyous numbers proclaim, Thee I for ever Suleika shall name.

1815.

----- HATEM.

NOT occasion makes the thief;

She's the greatest of the whole; For Love's relics, to my grief,

From my aching heart she stole.

She hath given it to thee,--

All the joy my life had known, So that, in my poverty,

Life I seek from thee alone.

Yet compa.s.sion greets me straight