THE EUNUCH

Once a Eunuch by the palace

In the sunset's fading glow

Felt the soft warm breezes blow;

Watched the fair girls of the Harem

Idly saunter to and fro.

Saw he beauty young and lavish —

Fierce to lure man's every sense —

( Grim the Eunuch stood and tense )

Laughingly the sparkling fountain

Mocked his bleak incompetence.

Came the Sultan from his hunting

Flaming with the zest of life;

( Laid aside were spear and knife )

Came for wine and song and feasting,

Came to seek his fairest wife.

Opened then the marble portals.

Fragrant incense filled the air,

( Sandalwood and roses rare )

While the girls with red-lipped languor

Scattered flowers everywhere.

Far away the fabled mountains,

( Like some paradise of old )

Glowed with lavender and gold.

Tense the Eunuch stood and silent —

Tense and sullen, tense and cold.

Now a quick impotent fury

Lashed him like a bronze-tipped cord.

Sprang he at the youthful lord,

Sprang again with blade all bloody...

( Famished lust and dripping sword. )

Night crept on all chill and ghastly,

Jackals trotted forth to bark,

( Murder shuddered, still and stark... )

By the palace ceased the fountain

And the whole grey world grew dark.