Far away the island
Rises on the deep,
Where the fated Agib
Found the boy asleep.
Soon the old fond father
Came with songs and joy
Ah! what bears he with him
But his murdered boy!
Still does Fate in some dark shape,
Mock our efforts to escape,
As in the tales Arabian,
The old Arabian Nights.
Next a summer palace
Gleams with sudden light,
But the lovely Persian
Makes it yet more bright.
I can hear her singing
In the lonely tower,
Mournful—oh, how mournful!
Of a happier hour.
Still the same star rules above,
Sorrow still companions love,
As in the tales Arabian,
The old Arabian Nights.
Pleasantly these fancies
Haunt that fountain's fall,
Making its low music
Yet more musical.
Still around its waters
Are adventures told,
Wonderful as any
That I read of old.
Never will their charm depart,
Still a portion of the heart
Dwells with the tales Arabian,
The old Arabian Nights.
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