All round the lofty halls, Rich tapestries of gold Hung from the glittering walls, In many an ample fold.
And breathing sculptures there In living beauty stood, Borne by the monarch's care From o'er the Ægean flood.
Dipt in the rainbow's dyes, Apelles's magic hand, To please the wondering eyes Of Judah's haughty land,
In liquid colours bright, And traced with matchless care, Had left, in glorious light, Its richest beauties there!
The silver lamps by day, Hung massive, rich, and bright; And from the galleries gay Shone brilliantly by night.
And by the monarch's side, His guards, a noble band, Arrayed in regal pride, In burnished armour stand.
Proud chiefs and ladies fair, Swept the broad courts along:— In pleasures mingled there,— A gay and gallant throng!
Apollo's tuneful choir, And Korah's sons of song, With psaltery, harp, and lyre, Were mingled in the throng. [O]
And from each trembling string, Sweet sounds of music stole; Gentle as Zephyr's wing, The tuneful numbers roll.
Beyond the portals wide, Beneath the sylvan bower, Cool founts, in sparkling pride, Send forth their silvery shower.