University of Virginia Library


45

A CAMEO.

Why speak of Giamschid rubies
Whence rosy starlight drips?
I know a richer crimson,—
The ruby of her lips.
Why speak of pearls of Oman
That shells of ocean sheathe?
I know a purer nacre,—
The white pearls of her teeth.
Why tell me of the sapphires
That Kings and Khalifs prize?
I know a lovelier azure,—
The sapphires of her eyes.
Go search the far Earth over,
Go search the farthest sea,
You will not find a cameo
Like her God carved for me.