Ralph Waldo Emerson, comp. (1803–1882). Parnassus: An Anthology of Poetry. 1880.
The Caliphs EncampmentThomas Moore (17791852)
W
Where all was waste and silent yesterday?
This City of War, which, in a few short hours,
Hath sprung up here, as if the magic powers
Of Him who, in the twinkling of a star,
Built the high-pillared walls of Chilminar,
Had conjured up, far as the eye can see,
This world of tents, and domes, and sun-bright armory:—
Princely pavilions, screened by many a fold
Of crimson cloth, and topped with balls of gold:—
Steeds, with their housings of rich silver spun,
Their chains and poitrels glittering in the sun;
And camels, tufted o’er with Temen’s shells
Shaking in every breeze their light-toned bells!