ALEXANDER AT THE GATES OF PARADISE.
A Legend from the Talmud.
Fierce was the glare of Cashmere’s middle day,
When Alexander for Hydaspes bent,
Through trackless wilds urged his impetuous way
Yet in that vast and sandy continent
A little vale he found, so calm, so sweet,
He there awhile to tarry was content.
A crystal stream was murmuring at his feet,