In the harem

Ah! the life, the light, the jewel, Nourmahal!

On the carpet idly lying,

She is singing, she is sighing;

Cool the shadows, sweet to dream,

Safe within the still Harem.

Ah! the life, the light, the jewel, Nourmahal!

On the carpet footsteps creeping,

Where the lovely one lies sleeping,

Soft her bosom's fall and rise,

Swift the flash of jealous eyes.

Ah! the life, the light, the jewel, Nourmahal!

On the carpet crimson glowing,

Deeper stains the red blood flowing;

dreary falls the moon's cold gleam,

In the still, the still Harem.