Collected Works 1-5

By J. P. Jacobsen

In the Seraglio Garden

Now sinks the rose its head, laden
With perfumed dew
And languorous stone pines sway, tranquil
And hushed anew.
And springs pour forth a silvern swell
In peace benign.
The minarets point to the heavens above,
Of faith the sign.
The hornFd moon wanders untroubled and still,
Over untroubled blue.
And lavishes kisses on lily and rose
Of tenderest hue
In the seraglio garden,
In the seraglio garden.

Translated by Glyn Jones