EASTERN DANCERS

The Database of Ornament

            EYES ravished with rapture, celestially panting, what pas-
                          sionate spirits aflaming with fire
            Drink deep of the hush of the hyacinth heavens that
                          glimmer around them in fountains of light?
            O wild and entrancing the strain of keen music that cleaveth
                          the stars like a wail of desire,
            And beautiful dancers with Houri-like faces bewitch the voluptuous watches
                          of Night.

            The scents of red roses and sandalwood flutter and die in the maze of their
                          gem-tangled hair,
            And smiles are entwining like magical serpents the poppies of lips that are
                          opiate-sweet,
            Their glittering garments of purple are burning like tremulous dawns in the
                          quivering air,
            And exquisite, subtle and slow are the tinkle and tread of their rhythmical
                          slumber-soft feet.

            Now silent, now singing and swaying and swinging, like blossoms that bend
                          to the breezes or showers,
            Now wantonly winding, they flash, now they falter, and lingering languish in
                          radiant choir,
            Their jewel-bright arms and warm, wavering, lily-long fingers enchant thro’
                          the summer-swift hours,
            Eyes ravished with rapture, celestially panting, their passionate spirits
                          aflaming with fire.

                                                                                 SAROJINI CHATTOPÂDHYÂY.