The flowerets gay and wild, In beauty bloomed not less, Than erst when Eden smiled, In pristine loveliness.
And through the gorgeous halls Rich odours filled the air, Sweet as the dew that falls On Araby the fair!
All that could foster pride, All that could banish care, Was gathered by his side, And richly lavished there.
Lost to the splendid show, The monarch's restless mind Darkened an anxious brow, Which furrows deep had lined.
He rose and left the hall, The night was drear and wild— Above the embattled wall Tempestuous clouds were piled.
Deep in the deeper gloom, He held his sullen way— To David's hallowed tomb To where his ashes lay.
The haughty monarch came,— Earth trembled at his tread— With sacrilegious aim To rob the royal dead.
No treasures found he there, Nor precious gems, nor gold— The walls were damp and bare— The region drear and cold.
He cast his anxious eye Where slept great David's son, Where Wisdom's ashes lie, The peerless Solomon!
He raised his ruthless arm Against the low-arched wall— While wild and dread alarm Rang through the vaulted hall.