Gargoyles

Let there be caves of treasure rare Deep hidden in sepulchral seas ; And birds unheard-of darken air With royal wings, like argosies Sailing beneath magnific promontories ! Let Caliphs mete fantastic law And ebon eunuchs swing the sword So swift, so curved,—let voiceless awe Sit on the palace dome, to draw Some god’s destruction on its smiling lord! May many a maiden comely clad Revolve in convoluted curls, Till from each pliant pose I had (By virtue of her wondrous whirls) The illusion of a thousand dancing-girls! Let harlots robed in gold and green Sit slowly waving ivory plumes And wings of palm; the while their queen Lurks in some horror-house unseen, Damned to be smothered in divine perfumes! 63