Noon
For who might withstand such a morn ! As on the night-banks of the far-rolling Ganges , the royal bridegroom sets forth for his bride , preceded by nymphs , now this side , now that , lighting up all the flowery flambeaux held on high as they pass ; so came the Sun , to his nuptials with Mardi : -- the Hours going on before , touching all the peaks , till they glowed rosy-red . By reflex , the lagoon , here and there , seemed on fire ; each curling wave-crest a flame . Noon came as we sailed . And now , citrons and bananas , cups and calabashes , calumets and tobacco , were passed round ; and we were all very merry and mellow indeed . Smacking our lips , chatting , smoking , and sipping . Now a mouthful of citron to season a repartee ; now a swallow of wine to wash down a precept ; now a fragrant whiff to puff away care .