Hélas + 

—Why sittest thou, O Muse, in grief enfolden? + 

—Thou hast me promis’d jewels rich and rare + 

To wear within my hair; + 

And for my slaves the kings of kingdoms olden; + 

And to abide in lofty castles golden, + 

Because I am most fair. + 

And lo, I have no sandals for my feet, + 

And little bread to eat. + 

Of that far golden Irem I am dreaming, + 

Whence for few kisses I did follow thee; + 

Fair is that spot to see, + 

With far-off waving palms and towers gleaming; + 

Great deserts round that isle of blissful seeming + 

Lie stretching endlessly. + 