Modest as the lily wild,
Gentle as a nurse's child.
A lovelier prize, of prouder boast,
Never chieftain's threshold crost.
Like the beams of early day,
Her eyes' quick flashes brightly play;
Brightly play and gladden all
On whom their kindly glances fall.
Her lips in smiling weave a charm
To keep the peopled house from harm.
In happy moment is she come
To bless a noble chieftain's home.
Happy be her dwelling here,
Many a day and month and year!
Happy as the nested dove
In her fruitful ark of love!
Happy in her tented screen!
Happy in her garden green!
Thus we welcome, one and all,
Our lady to her chieftain's hall.
SAMARKOON.
For the good service ye have done to me
Upon this day of happy fate. Ere long,
This gentle lady too, I trust, will thank you,
Albeit her present tears and alter'd state
Have made her shrink and droop in cheerless silence.
An ample recompense ye well have won,
Which shall not with a sparing hand be dealt.
Meantime, partake our cheer and revelry;
