KASHMIR VALLEYS 139 



parts. On the higher terraces were splendid chenaars, 

 and their deep shade was very welcome after the hot 

 ascent. Seated on a wall, that overhung two enormous 

 flights of steps leading to the next terrace, a stone water- 

 shoot between, thoughts turned instinctively to the gay 

 throngs that once filled these stately bowers, great 

 ladies and history-making kings throwing aside for the 

 time the wearisome and oppressive etiquette of their 

 Eastern court, and playing at games among the bright 

 flowers, or, if the heat was too overwhelming for 

 activity, lying on the heaped-up cushions, while poets 

 told tales of prowess in days of old, or sad stories of 

 loves never consummated. Beneath the sickly stars 

 musicians, too, trolled forth in strange harmonies and 

 sad, sweet airs the songs that are still to be heard 

 recited by the wandering bards at fairs and gatherings 



that my blood were water, thou athirst! 



And thou and I in some far desert land, 

 How would I shed it gladly, if but first 



It touched thy lips before it reached the sand. 



that my lips might ling'r o'er your soft hair ! 



that my life might die in a night like this ! 

 Your beauty sweet to soothe my fevered eyes, 



Drifting to death from dreams of a granted kiss. 



And as the gay groups moved about under the trees on 

 the grass, the sun casting flickering shades as it filtered 

 through the delicate foliage of the planes, the kings and 

 their ministry, forced always to be on the alert, could 

 watch their city spread below them, and, guarded by 

 the fortress on Hari Parbat, ready to signal forth the 

 news of any trouble or insubordination. The view was 

 passing fair, and as the sun sank in a glory of purple 



