by Sarojini Naidu (1879 - 1949)
A kokila called from a henna‑spray
Language: English
A kokila called from a henna-spray: Lira! liree! Lira! liree! Hasten, maidens, hasten away To gather the leaves of the henna-tree. Send your pitchers afloat on the tide. Gather the leaves ere the dawn be old. Grind them in mortars of amber 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.
About the headline (FAQ)
Confirmed with Sarojini Naidu, The Golden Threshold, London: William Heinemann, 1905.
Text Authorship:
- by Sarojini Naidu (1879 - 1949), "In Praise of Henna", appears in The Golden Threshold, in 1. Folk Songs [author's text checked 1 time against a primary source]
Musical settings (art songs, Lieder, mélodies, (etc.), choral pieces, and other vocal works set to this text), listed by composer (not necessarily exhaustive):
- by Liza Lehmann (1862 - 1918), "Henna", published 1907 [ soprano, alto, SATB chorus, and orchestra ], from The Golden Threshold : An Indian Song-Garland , no. 3, London: Boosey & Co. [sung text checked 1 time]
Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
This text was added to the website: 2023-08-15
Line count: 16
Word count: 102