Poetical Remains

th the dark hill's breast That palace rich and rare, Where dwells in solace and in rest Great Abdalrahman's heir: Where far below the mountain-pass Bright groves the courts embower ; Fair place ! and fair its title was, The City of the Flower ! But where was now the home, that show'd What humble toil erewhile Had tamed the wildness of the wood, And made the garden smile ? Where, free to hold its ancient space, A peasant's hearth might share The pleasaunce of the glorious place With Abdalrahman's heir ? The Cadi gains the palace-door : A sack he hastes to fling Across his shoulders, while the floor He treads to face the King: " I ask a boon of little worth,? One boon my wish shall bound,? One poor mule's burden of red earth From this enchanted ground." Loud laugh'd the prince Alhakem ; loud Was mirth in all the ring Of wits and courtiers blithe of mood Who throng'd around the King. " Let us walk forth ;" he said ; " my grooms, Who toil in sun or shade, And dig the roots, or tend the blooms, Will bring the needful spade." The Cadi led ; and halted not, Till near the fountain's head, Where late had stood the peasant's cot, His slow-paced beast he led. There grew the flowers of odours sweet, As through the balmy air They once were wont at eve to greet Their humbler master there. But where the cottage walls of stone Erewhile were seen to rise, A gay alcove now prou... --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.