In the Court of the Lions

These lions were sculptured centuries ago
In that fair court a Sultan made for her
Who was his heart's delight. Her worshipper
Was he whom all men worshipped; proving so
His love and homage that the ages know
How fair she was, and how at softest stir
Of her soft robes—as these proud courts aver—
His kingly heart with kingly love did glow;

Till he bade crafty workmen come and make
A palace, lovely for her lovely sake,
Thick-set with gems, with many a sculptured space
Wrought cunningly out of the creamy stone
To frame the dusky beauty of her face,—
Still on those courts the white moon shines, but they are gone!