Classic Poem

Maiden arms entwine him softly,
Ali Bey, the Faith's defender:
Glimpse of pleasures Paradisal
Are on earth by Allah granted.

Odalisques, as fair as houris,
Like gazelles, as supple, graceful —
Curls his beard the one, the other
Smoothes the wrinkles from his forehead;

While the lute a third one smiting,
Sings and dances, laughs, and drops him
On his heart a kiss that kindles
Into flames of utmost rapture.

But, without, a sudden clamour.
Trumpet-blare and clash of sabres,
Call to arms, and musket volley —
— 'Tis the Franks, my lord, advancing! —

And the hero mounts his war-horse,
Flies to battle; like a dreamer
Feels the maiden arms around him,
Maiden arms that soft entwine him.

While he sabres by the dozen
Frankish heads from off their shoulders,
He is laughing like a lover;
Yea, his laugh is sweet and tender.