Classic Poem

Sleepily, languorous, time to beguile,
Wrapped in a harnacs' silk, indolent, rests
Zaida the princess of Egypt, whose jests
Show all the pearl and the rose of her smile.

Eunuchs stand nigh to her waiting her quests,
There far beyond on the rippleless Nile,
Sluggishly dreams the uncouth crocodile,
Dreamily rise the fair princess' breasts.

Thinks she of Maleb and closes her lids.
See yonder dust near the gray pyramids!
Her Maleb is coming the sand-cloud attests,
Zaida has seen it and watched it awhile.
See now the fluctuant wealth of her breasts,
See now the pearl and the rose of her smile.

Sleepily, languorous, time to beguile,
Wrapped in a harnacs' silk, indolent, rests
Zaida the princess of Egypt, whose jests
Show all the pearl and the rose of her smile.

Eunuchs stand nigh to her waiting her quests,
There far beyond on the rippleless Nile,
Sluggishly dreams the uncouth crocodile,
Dreamily rise the fair princess' breasts. . . .

Thinks she of Maleb and closes her lids. . . .
See yonder dust near the gray pyramids!
Her Maleb is coming the sand-cloud attests,
Zaida has seen it and watched it awhile. . . .
See now the fluctuant wealth of her breasts,
See now the pearl and the rose of her smile.