Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, ed. Poems of Places: An Anthology in 31 Volumes.
Africa: Vol. XXIV. 1876–79.
Madagascar Song
By John Leyden (17751811)B
Where streams with stilly murmurs run,
’T is sweet to breathe the fanning breeze,
And watch the broad descending sun;
With measured tinkling steps appear,
And pour the sweet soul-lulling song,
That melts and lingers on the ear.
Whose pliant hand the rush-grass weaves!
But sweeter hers who drives away
The reed-birds from the ricen sheaves.
Is sweeter than the maiden’s kiss,
As half-receding steps advance
To picture love’s enchanting bliss.
The passion ne’er to be withstood,
As raptured gestures slowly wind,
To image pleasure’s melting mood.
Is glimmering through the leaves above:
Ah! cease, dear maids, the mellow tune,
And give the night to joy and love!