IN OLD SIAM.4
O the wonder! O the glory!
Hunting deer by hill and glade,
In the balm and flush of morning
Down the woodland ways I strayed.
Bright the lotus buds were blowing;
Rose and jasmine wreathed the bowers;
Every thicket rung with music;
Dropped the dews in pearly showers.
O the wonder! O the glory!
Merit's ravishing reward!
'Neath a stately Bo-tree's shadow,
Still as statue on the sward,
Hunting deer by hill and glade,
In the balm and flush of morning
Down the woodland ways I strayed.
Bright the lotus buds were blowing;
Rose and jasmine wreathed the bowers;
Every thicket rung with music;
Dropped the dews in pearly showers.
O the wonder! O the glory!
Merit's ravishing reward!
'Neath a stately Bo-tree's shadow,
Still as statue on the sward,
Stood the pure, celestial lord,
The White Elephant, a Buddha!
To the earth I fell and murmured,
"Mighty one! how blest my fate
In the forest thus to find thee—
I so low and thou so great!"
Breathless then I sought the temple,
Calling high o'er hymn and prayer,
"Leave your chant, O priests, and offer
Thanks and gifts beyond compare!
The White Elephant, a Buddha!
To the earth I fell and murmured,
"Mighty one! how blest my fate
In the forest thus to find thee—
I so low and thou so great!"
Breathless then I sought the temple,
Calling high o'er hymn and prayer,
"Leave your chant, O priests, and offer
Thanks and gifts beyond compare!
