28
A SHEAF GLEANED
Flashing disdainful underneath her veil;
A Negro follows, bearing in her suit
Her favourite partridge in its cage of gold.
Then comes an Aga in his gorgeous dress
Rapidly riding. Sombre and severe
His look. The thunderous gallop of his steed
Raises a dust-cloud, and his silver arms,
Struck by the sunbeams, through the olive groves
Send lightning scintillations near and far.
He darts at us a scrutinising glance
As he rides past, while thoughtfully I muse—
Lo, here is Sparta, here is Greece entire,
A slave, a tyrant, ruins and bright flowers!
