Introductory Memoir

Still barred thy doors! The far east glows,The morning wind blows fresh and free.Should not the hour that wakes the roseAwaken also thee?

All look for thee, Love, Light, and Song,Light in the sky deep red above.Song, in the lark of pinions strong.And in my heart, true Love.

Apart we miss our nature's goal,Why strive to cheat our destinies?Was not my love made for thy soul?Thy beauty for mine eyes?No longer sleep,Oh, listen now!I wait and weep,But where art thou?

What glorious trees! The sombre saul,On which the eye delights to rest,—The betel-nut, a pillar tall,With feathery branches for a crest,—The light-leaved tamarind spreading wide,—The pale faint-scented bitter neem,The seemul, gorgeous as a bride,With flowers that have the ruby's gleam.

Thy generous fruits, though gathered ere their prime,Still showed a quickness, and maturing timeBut mellows what we write to the dull sweets of Rime.