And for his fare-the rudest of his crew 70 Would that, in turn, have pass'd untasted too; Earth's coarsest bread, the garden's homeliest roots, And scarce the summer luxury of fruits, His short repast in humbleness supply 75 With all a hermit's board would scarce deny. III. "A sail!-a sail!"- —a promised prize to Hope! Blow fair, thou breeze!—she anchors ere the dark. 80 85 Receives that prow which proudly spurns the spray.90 And seems to dare the elements to strife. Who would not brave the battle-fire-the wreck- 95 To move the monarch of her peopled deck? IV. 100 Hoarse o'er her side the rustling cable rings; V. 105 The tidings spread, and gathering grows the crowd: The hum of voices, and the laughter loud, 109 And woman's gentler anxious tone is heardFriends'--husbands'--lovers' names in each dear word: "Oh! are they safe? we ask not of success"But shall we see them? will their accents bless? "From where the battle roars-the billows chafe"They doubtless boldly did-but who are safe? "Here let them haste to gladden and surprise, "And kiss the doubt from these delighted eyes!" VI. "Where is our chief? for him we bear report 115 "And doubt that joy, which hails our coming-short; 120 "Yet thus sincere---'tis cheering, though so brief: "But, Juan! instant guide us to our chief: "Our greeting paid, we'll feast on our return, "And all shall hear what each may wish to learn." Ascending slowly by the rock-hewn way, 125 130 To where his watch-tower beetles o'er the bay, By bushy brake, and wild flowers blossoming, And freshness breathing from each silver spring, Whose scatter'd streams from granite basins burst, Leap into life, and sparkling woo your thirst; From crag to cliff they mount-Near yonder cave, What lonely straggler looks along the wave? In pensive posture leaning on the brand, Not oft a resting-staff to that red hand? ""Tis he-'tis Conrad-here-as wont-alone; “On-Juan! on--and make our purpose known. "The bark he views—and tell him we would greet 135 "His ear with tidings he must quickly meet: "We dare not yet approach-thou know'st his mood, "When strange or uninvited steps intrude." VII. 140 Him Juan sought, and told of their intentHe spake not-but a sign express'd assent. These Juan calls--they come-to their salute He bends him slightly, but his lips are mute. "These letters, Chief, are from the Greek-the spy, "Who still proclaims our spoil or peril nigh: "Whate'er his tidings, we can well report, 145 "Much that"—“ "Peace, peace!"-he cuts their prating short. Wondering they turn, abash'd, while each to each 150 "In the anchor'd bark." 155 "There let him stay-to him this order bear. "Back to your duty-for my course prepare: "Myself this enterprise to-night will share." હૃદ "The breeze will freshen when the day is done. 66 My corslet-cloak-one hour-and we are gone. 66 Sling on thy bugle-see that free from rust, "My carbine-lock springs worthy of my trust; "Be the edge sharpen'd of my boarding-brand, 165 "And give its guard more room to fit my hand. "This let the Armourer with speed dispose ; “Last time, it more fatigued my arm than foes: "Mark that the signal-gun be duly fired, "To tell us when the hour of stay's expired." 170 VIII. They make obeisance, and retire in haste, 175 180 What should it be? that thus their faith can bind? Wields with their hands, but, still to these unknown, "Tis Nature's doom-but let the wretch who toils, IX. Unlike the heroes of each ancient race, Demons in act, but God s at least in face, 190 195 |