| Thomas R. Lounsbury, ed. (1838–1915). Yale Book of American Verse. 1912. |
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| Thomas Bailey Aldrich. 1836–1907 |
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| 188. Song from the Persian |
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| AH! sad are they who know not love, | |
| But, far from passion's tears and smiles, | |
| Drift down a moonless sea, beyond | |
| The silvery coasts of fairy isles. | |
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| And sadder they whose longing lips | 5 |
| Kiss empty air, and never touch | |
| The dear warm mouth of those they love— | |
| Waiting, wasting, suffering much. | |
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| But clear as amber, fine as musk, | |
| Is life to those who, pilgrim-wise, | 10 |
| Move hand in hand from dawn to dusk, | |
| Each morning nearer Paradise. | |
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| Ah, not for them shall angels pray! | |
| They stand in everlasting light, | |
| They walk in Allah's smile by day, | 15 |
| And slumber in his heart by night. | |
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