Lotus and Jewel Containing "In an Indian Temple", "A Casket of Gems", "A Queen's Revenge": With Other Poems: By Edwin Arnold |
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The Heavenly Secret
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 | Lotus and Jewel |  |
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The Heavenly Secret
Sometimes,” sighed Lalage:“in hours of sadness,
A sudden pleasure shines upon the soul,
The heart beats quick to half-heard notes of gladness,
And from the dark mind all its clouds unroll:
How is this, Poet? You, who know things hidden,
Whence sounds that under-song of soft content?
What brings such peace, unlooked-for and unbidden?
Say, now! Oh, is it truth or accident?”
A sudden pleasure shines upon the soul,
The heart beats quick to half-heard notes of gladness,
And from the dark mind all its clouds unroll:
How is this, Poet? You, who know things hidden,
Whence sounds that under-song of soft content?
What brings such peace, unlooked-for and unbidden?
Say, now! Oh, is it truth or accident?”
“Dear Maid!” I said,“wisely you ask a poet,
For there's my answer, on your upper lip!
The Talmud writes: that dimple—as you show it—
Between the rosy mouth and nose's tip,
Was stamped by God's own hand, the day He made us,
When unto each He whispered All goeth well!”
But pressed His finger on our lips, and laid us
Under His secret not to know—nor tell!
For there's my answer, on your upper lip!
The Talmud writes: that dimple—as you show it—
Between the rosy mouth and nose's tip,
Was stamped by God's own hand, the day He made us,
When unto each He whispered All goeth well!”
But pressed His finger on our lips, and laid us
Under His secret not to know—nor tell!
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