THE CORSAIR. CANTO II. "Conosceste i dubiosi desiri?" DANTE. I. IN Coron's bay floats many a Galley light, Through Coron's lattices the lamps are bright, 610 A feast for promised triumph yet to come, This hath he sworn by Alla and his sword, And faithful to his firman and his word, His summoned prows collect along the coast, And great the gathering crews, and loud the boast; Already shared the captives and the prize, Though far the distant foe they thus despise ; 'Tis but to sail-no doubt to-morrow's Sun Will see the Pirates bound-their haven won! Mean time the watch may slumber, if they will, Nor only wake to war, but dreaming kill. Though all, who can, disperse on shore and seek To flesh their glowing valour on the Greek; 620 How well such deed becomes the turbaned brave- Their arms are strong, yet merciful to-day, And do not deign to smite because they may! 630 Revel and rout the evening hours beguile, And they who wish to wear a head must smile; For Moslem mouths produce their choicest cheer, And hoard their curses, till the coast is clear. II. High in his hall reclines the turbaned Seyd; On silken couch than o'er the rugged deep; Might warrant more than even the Pacha's boast. VOL. III. III. With cautious reverence from the outer gate, "A captive Dervise, from the pirate's nest 66 Escaped, is here-himself would tell the rest." 660 His arms were folded on his dark-green vest, He calmly met the curious eyes that scanned; 670 And question of his coming fain would seek, Before the Pacha's will allowed to speak. IV. "Whence com'st thou, Dervise?" "A fugitive-" 66 "From the outlaw's den, Thy capture where and when ?" "From Scalanova's port to Scio's isle, "The Saick was bound; but Alla did not smile -the Moslem merchant's gains "Upon our course— "The Rovers won: our limbs have worn their chains. "I had no death to fear, nor wealth to boast, Beyond the wandering freedom which I lost; 681 “At length a fisher's humble boat by night "Afforded hope, and offered chance of flight: "I seized the hour, and find my safety here"With thee-most mighty Pacha! who can fear?" |