THE BRIDE OF ABYDOS. CANTO II. I. THE winds are high on Helle's wave, The lonely hope of Sestos' daughter. 485 495 He could not see, he would not hear That tale is old, but love anew May nerve young hearts to prove as true. VOL. II. D 500 II. The winds are high, and Helle's tide The tombs, sole relics of his reign, III. Oh! yet-for there my steps have been; To trace again those fields of yore, Believing every hillock green Contains no fabled hero's ashes, And that around the undoubted scene 505 510 515 Thine own "broad Hellesport" (23) still dashes, Be long my lot! and cold were he Who there could gaze denying thee! IV. The night hath closed on Helle's stream, That moon, which shone on his high theme: But conscious shepherds bless it still, 520 525 Their flocks are grazing on the mound V. Late, late to-night will Dian cheer The swain, and chase the boatman's fear; 530 595 May shape the course of struggling skiff; 540 The scatter'd lights that skirt the bay, Is glimmering in Zuleika's tower. Yes! there is light in that lone chamber, 545 Are thrown the fragrant beads of amber, O'er which her fairy fingers ran; (25) 550 Whereon engraved the Koorsee text, Could smooth this life, and win the next; And many a bright emblazon'd rhyme Bloom flowers in urns of China's mould; 555 560 And Sheeraz' tribute of perfume; All that can eye or sense delight Are gather'd in that gorgeous room: 565 But yet it hath an air of gloom. She, of this Peri cell the sprite, What doth she hence, and on so rude a night? VI. Wrapt in the darkest sable vest, Which none save noblest Moslem wear, With cautious steps the thicket threading, 570 575 |