One evening we sat togetherBy the river of Pearls at Fez,Stringing verses and sometimes singing.My gaze followed the beautiful boyWho, with a swift and delicate movement,Flung the wine-cup over his shoulder;The ruby drops glittered and fellBright in the dying sunshine.The River of Pearls shone like a sword in the grass,Not disdainingThe work of turning the waterwheel,And the sun, reluctant, lingered about the tree-topsIn a golden mist of farewell.
Many the tears that have fallen since,Many the nights that have passed,But I rememberThe River of Pearls at FezAnd Seomar whom I loved.
