And on dome and walls and columns From the very top to bottom The Koran’s Arabian proverbs Twine in wise and flowery fashion. Moorish Kings erected whilome This vast house to Allah’s glory, Yet in many parts ’tis alter’d In the darksome whirl of ages. On the turret where the watchman Summon’d unto prayer the people, Now the Christian bell is sounding With its melancholy murmur. On the steps whereon the faithful Used to sing the Prophet’s sayings, Now baldpated priests exhibit All the mass’s trivial wonders. How they twirl before the colour’d Puppets, full of antic capers, Midst the incense smoke and ringing, While the senseless tapers sparkle! In fair Cordova’s cathedral Stands Almansor ben Abdullah, Viewing silently the columns, And these words in silence murmuring: “O ye columns, strong, gigantic, “Once adorn’d in Allah’s glory, “Now must ye pay humble homage “To this Christendom detested. “To the times have ye submitted, “And ye bear the burden calmly; “Still more reason for the weaker “To be patient all the sooner.” And Almansor ben Abdullah Bent his head with face unruffled O’er the font so decorated In fair Cordova’s cathedral. 2. The cathedral left he quickly, On his wild steed speeding onward, While his moist locks and the feathers In his hat the wind is moving. On the road to Alcolea, By the side of Guadalquivir, Where the snowy almond blossoms, And the fragrant golden orange, Thither bastes the merry rider, Piping, singing, laughing gaily, And the birds all swell the chorus, And the torrent’s noisy waters. In the fort at Alcolea Dwelleth Clara de Alvares; In Navarre her sire is fighting, And she revels in her freedom. And afar Almansor heareth Sounds of kettle-drums and trumpets, And the castle lights beholds he Glittering through the trees’ dark shadows. In the fort at Alcolea Dance twelve gaily trick’d-out ladies With twelve knights attired as gaily, But Almansor’s the best dancer. As if wing’d by merry fancies, Round about the hall he flutters, Knowing how to all the ladies To address sweet flattering speeches. Isabella’s lovely hands he Kisses quickly, and then leaves her, And before Elvira stands he, Looking in her face so archly. He in turns assures each lady That he heartily adores her; “On the true faith of a Christian” Swears he thirty times that evening. 3. In the fort at Alcolea Merriment and noise have ceased now Knights and ladies all have vanish’d, And the lights are all extinguish’d. Donna Clara and Almansor In the hall above still linger, And one single lamp is throwing On them both its feeble lustre.