Bright, o bright Fedalma
C. Stanford
Maiden, crowned with glossy blackness,
Lithe as panther forest-roaming,
Long-armed naiad, when she dances
On a stream of ether floating, --
Bright, O bright Fedalma!
Form all curves like softness drifted,
Wave-kissed marble roundly dimpling,
Far-off music slowly wingèd,
Gently rising, gently sinking, --
Bright, O bright Fedalma!
Pure as rain-tear on a rose-leaf,
Cloud high-born in noonday spotless
Sudden perfect as the dew-bead,
Gem of earth and sky begotten, --
Bright, O bright Fedalma!
Beauty has no mortal father,
Holy light her form engendered,
Out of tremor, yearning, gladness,
Presage sweet, and joy remembered, --
Child of light, Fedalma!