XXVIII. And as the spot where they appear he nears, But an unhallow'd, earthly sound of fiddling! The cause being past his guessing or unriddling; XXIX. And still more nearly to the place advancing, Descending rather quickly the declivity, Through the waved branches, o'er the greensward glancing, 'Midst other indications of festivity, Seeing a troop of his domestics dancing XXX. And further on a group of Grecian girls, The first and tallest her white kerchief waving, Were strung together like a row of pearls; Link'd hand in hand, and dancing; each too having Down her white neck long floating auburn curls— (The least of which would set ten poets raving); Their leader sang-and bounded to her song, With choral step and voice, the virgin throng. XXXI. And here, assembled cross-legg'd round their trays, Above them their dessert grew on its vine, Dropp'd in their laps, scarce pluck'd, their mellow store. XXXII. A band of children, round a snow-white ram, While peaceful as if still an unwean'd lamb, Or eats from out the palm, or playful lowers XXXIII. Their classical profiles, and glittering dresses, The gesture which enchants, the eye that speaks, So that the philosophical beholder Sigh'd for their sakes-that they should e'er grow older. XXXIV. Afar, a dwarf buffoon stood telling tales sedate grey circle of old smokers To a Of secret treasures found in hidden vales, Of wonderful replies from Arab jokers, Of magic ladies who, by one sole act, Transform'd their lords to beasts, (but that's a fact). XXXV. Here was no lack of innocent diversion For the imagination or the senses, Song, dance, wine, music, stories from the Persian, Dreading that climax of all human ills, The inflammation of his weekly bills. XXXVI. Ah! what is man? what perils still environ Is all that life allows the luckiest sinner; Pleasure (whene'er she sings, at least) 's a siren, XXXVII. He-being a man who seldom used a word Of his arrival, so that no one stirred; And long he paused to re-assure his eyes, In fact much more astonish'd than delighted, To find so much good company invited. |