IN PRAISE OF HENNA
A kokila called from a henna-spray: LIRA! LIREE! LIRA! LIREE! Hasten, maidens1, hasten away To gather the leaves of the henna-tree. Send your pitchers2 afloat on the tide, Gather the leaves ere the dawn be old, Grind them in mortars3 of amber4 and gold, The fresh green leaves of the henna-tree.
A kokila called from a henna-spray: LIRA! LIREE! LIRA! LIREE! Hasten maidens, hasten away To gather the leaves of the henna-tree. The tilka's red for the brow of a bride, And betel-nut's red for lips that are sweet; But, for lily-like fingers and feet, The red, the red of the henna-tree.