  Dive in from the sunlight smiting like a falchion Underneath the awnings to the sudden shade, Saunter through the packed lane Many-voiced, colourful, Rippling with the currents of the south and eastern trade. Here are Persian carpets, ivory, and peachbloom, Tints to fill the heart of any child of man; Here are copper rose-bowls, Leopard-skins, emeralds, Scarlet slippers curly-toed and beads from Kordofan. Water-sellers pass with brazen saucers tinkling, Hajjis in the doorways tell their amber beads; A scimitar, a neckerchief Worked with rose and saffron for a lovely lady’s needs? Here we pass the goldsmiths, copper-, brass-, and silversmiths, All a-clang and jingle, all a-glint and gleam; Here the silken webs hang, Shimmering, delicate, Soft-hued as an afterglow and melting as a dream. Buy a little blue god brandishing a sceptre, Buy a dove with coral feet and pearly breast; Buy some ostrich-feathers, Silver shawls, perfume-jars, Buy a stick of incense for the shrine that you love best. Assuan. |
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