The Arabian Nights, Volume I of IV

by Unknown

AUTHOR OF THE ARABIAN NIGHTS.

Bless’d child of Genius, whose fantastic sprite

Rides on the vivid lightnings flash, or roves

Thro’ flow’ry vallies and Elysian groves;

Or, borne on vent’rous pinions, takes its flight

To those dread realms, where, hid from mortal sight,

Fierce Genii roam, or where, in bright alcoves,

Mild Fairies reign, and woo their secret loves;

Whate’er thy theme, whether the magic might

Of the stern kings, that dwell ’mid ocean’s roar,

Or Sindbad’s perils, or the cruel wiles

Of Afric’s curst enchanters, charm us more;

Or ought more wond’rous still our ear beguiles;

Well pleased we listen to thy fabling lore,

And truth itself with less attraction smiles.

THO. RUSSELL.