"But as thou wast and art-nay, frown not, lord, "If false, 'tis easy to disprove the word 66 But, as thou wast and art, on thee looks down, "Distrusts thy smiles, but shakes not at thy frown. "Art thou not he? whose deeds" "Words wild as these, accusers like to thee "I list no further; those with whom they weigh "May hear the rest, nor venture to gainsay "The wondrous tale no doubt thy tongue can tell, "Which thus begins so courteously and well. "Let Otho cherish here his polish'd guest, 460 465 “To him my thanks and thoughts shall be exprest." And here their wondering host hath interposed--"Whate'er there be between you undisclosed, "This is no time nor fitting place to mar "The mirthful meeting with a wordy war. "If thou, Sir Ezzelin, hast ought to show "Which it befits Count Lara's ear to know, "To-morrow, here, or elsewhere, as may best "Beseem your mutual judgment, speak the rest; 470 I pledge myself for thee, as not unknown, 66 Though like Count Lara now return'd alone "From other lands, almost a stranger grown; "And if from Lara's blood and gentle birth "I augur right of courage and of worth, "He will not that untainted line belie, "Nor aught that knighthood may accord, deny." 475 "To-morrow be it," Ezzelin replied, "And here our several worth and truth be tried; "My words, so may I mingle with the blest!" 480 That there were gather`d, seem'd on him to fall ; 485 Alas! that heedlessness of all around XXIV. "To-morrow!---ay, to-morrow!" further word 490 Than those repeated none from Lara heard; Yet there was something fix'd in that low tone, And, as he pass'd him, smiling met the frown With which that chieftain's brow would bear him down: 500 It was nor smile of mirth, nor struggling pride 505 Alas! too like in confidence are each, For man to trust to mortal look or speech; From deeds, and deeds alone, may he discern XXV. And Lara call'd his page, and went his way— Though not unknown the tongue of Lara's land, 510 515 But fleet his step, and clear his tones would come, 520 Friends', kindreds', parents', wonted voice recall, XXVI. Light was his form, and darkly delicate That brow whereon his native sun had sate, But had not marr'd though in his beams he grew, 530 The cheek where oft the unbidden blush shone through; Yet not such blush as mounts when health would show All the heart's hue in that delighted glow; But 'twas a hectic tint of secret care That for a burning moment fever'd there; 535 And the wild sparkle of his eye seem'd caught From high, and lighten'd with electric thought, Though its black orb those long low lashes fringe, Had temper'd with a melancholy tinge; Yet less of sorrow than of pride was there, 540 Or if 'twere grief, a grief that none should share : For hours on Lara he would fix his glance, XXVII. If aught he loved, 'twas Lara; but was shown is faith in reverence and in deeds alone; 545 550 555 In mute attention; and his care, which guess'd Still there was haughtiness in all he did, A spirit deep that brook'd not to be chid; His zeal, though more than that of servile hands, 560 In act alone obeys, his air commands; As if 'twas Lara's less than his desire 565 That thus he served, but surely not for hire. His soul, whate'er his station or his stem, Of higher birth he seem'd, and better days, Nor mark of vulgar toil that hand betrays, 575 So femininely white it might bespeak 580 Another sex, when match'd with that smooth cheek, |