BRITISH RESIDENCY AT HYDERABAD. THE edifice here represented is the residence of the English Minister at the Court of the Nizam, or native prince. The party entering the gate shews the species of state, and the retinue, with which persons of rank appear in public. The curtains of the palanquins, in which females go forth, are always closely drawn: seclusion in the East is, as it were, the element of beauty. It is quite in human nature to admit that— "such must be "Dear-and yet dearer for its mystery." THE NIZAM'S DAUGHTER. SHE is as yet a child in years, Twelve springs are on her face, There, or upon the raven's back, 'Tis parted in two shining braids And one large pearl by contrast aids The darkness of each fold. And for she is so young, that flowers Seem natural to her now, There wreaths the champac's snowy showers Around her sculptured brow. Close to her throat the silvery vest By shining clasps is bound, Scarce may her graceful shape be guest, Mid drapery floating round. But the small curve of that vein'd throat, Like marble, but more warm, The fairy foot and hand denote THE NIZAM'S DAUGHTER. Upon the ankle and the wrist There is a band of gold, No step by Grecian fountain kiss'd, Was of diviner mould. In the bright girdle round her waist, The kandjar's* glittering hilt is placed, Her face is like the moonlight pale, Has touched the softness there. No blush disturbs the sweet repose And yet the large black eyes, like night, Of such seclusion know we nought; Yet surely woman here Grows shrouded from all common thought, More delicate and dear. And love, thus made a thing apart, Must seem the more divine, When the sweet temple of the heart Is a thrice veiled shrine. *The kandjar is the small poniard worn by Hindoo princesses. 1 |