Medley—A Kashmeri Song

The poppy grows on the roof-top,
The iris flowers on the grave;
Hope in the heart of a lover,
And fear in the heart of a slave.

The opal lies in the river,
The pearl in the ocean’s breast;
Doubt in a grieving bosom,
And faith in a heart at rest.

Fireflies dance in the moon-light,
Peach-leaves dance in the wind;
Dreams and delicate fancies
Dance thro’ a poet’s mind.

Sweetness dwells in the beehive,
And lives in a maiden’s breath;
Joy in the eyes of children
And peace in the hands of Death.