Sardius In His Pavilion With Altheetor Poem by Maria Gowen Brooks

BENEATH that dome, reclined the youthful king,
Upon a silver couch; and soothed to mood
As free and soft as perfumes from the wing
Of bird, that shook the jasmines as it woo'd;

Its fitful song the mingling murmur meeting
Of marble founts of many a fair device;
And bees that banquet, from the sun retreating,
In every full, deep flower, that crowns his paradise.

While gemmy diadem thrown down beside,
And garment, at the neck plucked open, proved
His unconstraint, and scorn of regal pride,
When thus apart retired, he sat with those he loved.

One careless arm around the boy was flung,
Not undeserving of that free caress;
But warm and true, and of a heart and tongue,
To heighten bliss, or mitigate distress.

Quick to perceive, in him no freedom rude
Reproved full confidence; friendship, the meat
His soul had starved without, with gratitude
Was ta'en; and her rich wine crown'd high the banquet sweet.