Classic Poem

M AJNUN , Mad FOR L OVE OF L AILI , D WELLS AMONG THE B
EASTS

For tiger, wolf, and panther gather round
The madman as their king, and lick the ground;
Fox and hyena fierce their snarling cease;
Lion and fawn familiar meet in peace;
Vulture and soaring eagle, on the wing,
Around his place of rest their shadows fling;
Like Solomon, o'er all extends his reign;
His pillow is the lion's shaggy mane;
The wily leopard, on the herbage spread,
Forms like a carpet his romantic bed:
And lynx and wolf, in harmony combined,
Frisk o'er the sward, and gambol with the hind.
All pay their homage with respect profound,
As if in circles of enchantment bound.
Among the rest, one little fawn
Skipped nimbly o'er the flowery lawn;
And, beautifully delicate,
Sprang where the wondering madman sate:
So soft, so meek, so sweetly mild,
So shy, so innocently wild,
And, ever playful in his sight,
The fondling grew his great delight;
He loved its pleasing form to trace,
And kiss its full black eyes and face,
Thinking of Laili all the while;
For fantasies the heart beguile;
And with the illusive dream impressed,
He hugged the favorite to his breast:
With his own hand the fawn he fed,
And choicest herbs before it spread;
And all the beasts assembled there
Partook of his indulgent care,
And day and night, they, unconstrained,
In wondrous harmony remained.