The Lily Of Shavarshan Poem by Leo Alishan

ARMENIAN maidens, come and view
In Shavarshan a lily new!

The radiant type of maidenhood,
Crown of Armenia's pride!
From the fair brow beneath her veil
The wind-stirred curls float wide
With little steps, l:ke turtle dove,
She walks the dew-bright plain;
Her lips drop honey, and her eyes
Effulgent glances rain.

The beauty of Armenia,
A sun-like mirror clear,
Our Northern star is bright Santoukhd,
The king's fair daughter dear.
She has come forth, the graceful bride
On whom the East and West
Desire to look, while fires of love
Consume the gazer's breast.

Less fair the bright and morning star,
'Mid cloudlets small and fine
Less fair the fruit whose rosy tints
'Mid apple leaves outshine;
Araxes' hyacinthine flower
That chains of dew doth wear,
All are less beautiful than she,
With gracious mien and air.