A lofty tower and strong, the building stood
’Midst a vast plain surrounded by a flood;
And hence one pebble-paved channel stray’d,
That compass’d in a clustering orchard’s shade;
’Twas a choice, charming plat; abundant round;
Flowers, roses, odorous spices cloth’d the ground;
Unnumber’d kinds, and all profusely shower’d
Such aromatic balsam as they flower’d,
Their fragrance might have stay’d man’s parting breath,
And chased the hovering agony of death.