Page:Echoes from East and West.pdf/26

The King did mount his palace-top, his courtiers all behind;
He let his veering glance alight on whatso he could find.

On all sides round the island shone with golden-crested towers
Inlaid like brooches in the heart of groves besprent with flowers.

And here upon the grassy green, above a silver fount,
Thin thread on thread of stealing mist did many a palm surmount.

And here a lovely pleasure-lake, and here a splendid shrine,
And here a gaily-gilded shop in fine array did shine.

For, all the wealth of all the world, exhaustless and untold,
Was hoarded up, O Lanka fair, at thy bright feet of gold.

He saw the rampart, long and strong, of Lanka's mother-town,
And on the rampart stairs the guards all hurrying up and down.

The Lion-portals all were closed; and here within the doors
He saw, full ready and awake, a countless Demon-force.

And there without the town he saw a locust horde of men,
That hung and hover'd line on line as far as he could ken.

Then to another scene he turn'd, his courtiers at his back;
It was the field of battle, and he felt his bosom crack.