700 "And felt-that all which Freedom's bosom cheers, "Must break my chain before it dried my tears. "This may'st thou judge, at least, from my escape, "They little deem of aught in peril's shape; "Else vainly had I pray'd or sought the chance "That leads me here-if eyed with vigilance: "The careless guard that did not see me fly, "May watch as idly when thy power is nigh: “Pacha!—my limbs are faint—and nature craves 705 "Food for my hunger, rest from tossing waves; "Permit my absence-peace be with thee! Peace "With all around!-now grant repose-release." 710 "Stay, Dervise! I have more to question-stay, "I do command thee-sit-dost hear?-obey! "More I must ask, and food the slaves shall bring; "Thou shalt not pine where all are banqueting: "The supper done-prepare thee to reply, Clearly and full-I love not mystery." "Twere vain to guess what shook the pious man, 715 Who look'd not lovingly on that Divan; Nor show'd high relish for the banquet prest, And less respect for every fellow guest. 'Twas but a moment's peevish hectic past Along his cheek, and tranquillized as fast: 720 725 The feast was usher'd in-but sumptuous fare He shunn'd as if some poison mingled there. For one so long condemn'd to toil and fast, Methinks he strangely spares the rich repast. "What ails thee, Dervise? eat-dost thou suppose "This feast a Christian's? or my friends thy foes? Why dost thou shun the salt? that sacred pledge, "Which, once partaken, blunts the sabre's edge, 730 "Makes even contending tribes in peace unite, "And hated hosts seem brethren to the sight!" "Salt seasons dainties-and my food is still "The humblest root, my drink the simplest rill; "And my stern vow and order's (6) laws oppose 735 "To break or mingle bread with friends or foes; "It may seem strange--if there be aught to dread, "That peril rests upon my single head; "But for thy sway-nay more-thy Sultan's throne, "I taste nor bread nor banquet---save alone; "Infringed our order's rule, the Prophet's rage "To Mecca's dome might bar my pilgrimage." "Well---as thou wilt---ascetic as thou art--- 740 745 750 "Accursed Dervise!---these thy tidings---thou "Some villain spy--seize--cleave him--slay him now!” 755 Up rose the Dervise with that burst of light, Behold but bloody shore and fiery waves; Nought heeded they the Pacha's angry cry, They seize that Dervise !---seize on Zatanai! (7) 770 775 His bugle---brief the blast---but shrilly blew, 'Tis answer'd---" Well ye speed, my gallant crew! 66 Why did I doubt their quickness of career? "And deem design had left me single here ?" Sweeps his long arm---that sabre's whirling sway, 780 His blazing galleys still distract his sight, He tore his beard, and foaming fled the fight; (8) And burst within-and it were death to wait; 785 790 Where wild Amazement shrieking-kneeling-throws 800 But short their greeting---shorter his reply--""Tis well-but Seyd escapes-and he must die. "Much hath been done-but more remains to do"Their galleys blaze-why not their city too ?" 805 |