Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Francis SaltusSaltus

1024 The Bayadere

NEAR strange, weird temples, where the Ganges’ tide

Bathes domed Lahore, I watched, by spice-trees fanned,

Her agile form in some quaint saraband,

A marvel of passionate chastity and pride.

Nude to the loins, superb and leopard-eyed,

With fragrant roses in her jewelled hand,

Before some Kaât-drunk Rajah, mute and grand,

Her flexile body bends, her white feet glide.

The dull Kinoors throb one monotonous tune,

And wail with zeal as in a hasheesh trance;

Her scintillant eyes in vague, ecstatic charm

Burn like black stars below the Orient moon,

While the suave, dreamy languor of the dance

Lulls the grim, drowsy cobra on her arm.