His eyes of pride to young Gonsalvo turn- 580 585 But much must yet be done ere dawn of day— Again he mans himself and turns away; Down to the cabin with Gonsalvo bends, And there unfolds his plan-his means-and ends; They to the midnight watch protract debate; Mean time, the steady breeze serenely blew, 595 Count they each sail—and mark how there supine 600 And anchor'd where his ambush meant to lie; Screen'd from espial by the jutting cape, 605 END OF CANTO 1. THE CORSAIR. CANTO II. "Conosceste i dubiosi desiri?" DANTE. I. IN Coron's bay floats many a Galley light, This hath he sworn by Alla and his sword, And faithful to his firman and his word, His summon'd 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! 610 615 620 Mean time the watch may slumber, if they will, Though all, who can, disperse on shore and seek And do not deign to smite because they may! 625 630 Unless some gay caprice suggests the blow, To keep in practice for the coming foe. And they who wish to wear a head must smile; 635 For Moslem mouths produce their choicest cheer, II. High in his hall reclines the turban'd Seyd; 640 645 The rising morn will view the chiefs embark; But waves are somewhat treacherous in the dark: On silken couch than o'er the rugged deep; Feast there who can-nor combat till they must, And less to conquest than to Korans trust; And yet the numbers crowded in his host III. 650 With cautious reverence from the outer gate, Slow stalks the slave, whose office there to wait, 655 "A captive Dervise, from the pirate's nest 66 Escaped, is here-himself would tell the rest.” He took the sign from Seyd's assenting eye, 660 His arms were folded on his dark-green vest, 665 And these his lofty cap rose proudly o'er: |