seen:

heard,

“ 'Twas but an instant past - and here he He marvell’d how his heart could seem so stood!

soft. And now” – without the portal's porch she Fire in his glance, and wildness in his rush'd,

breast, And then at length her tears in freedom He feels of all his former self possest;

gush'd;

He bounds,-he flies-- until his footsteps Big-bright-and fast, unknown to her

reach
they fell;

The
verge

where ends the cliff, begins the But still her lips refused to send –“Fare

beach, well!"

There checks his speed; but pauses less to For in that word--that fatal word-howe'er

breathe We promise-hope-- believe - there breathes The breezy freshness of the deep beneath,

despair.

Than there his wonted statelier step renew, O’er every feature of that still, pale face, Nor rush disturbed by haste, to vulgar view: Bad sorrow fix'd what time can ne'er erase: For well had Conrad learn'd to curb the The tender blue of that large loving eye

crowd, Grew frozen with its gaze on vacancy,

By arts that veil, and oft preserve the proud; Till-Oh, how far!-it caught a glimpse His was the lofty port, the distant mien,

of him,

That seems to shun the sight- and awes if And then it flow'd --and phrenzied seem'd

to swim

The solemn aspect, and the high-born eye, Through those long, dark, and glistening That checks low mirth, but lacks not courtlashes dewed

esy ; With drops of sadness oft to be renew'd. All these he wielded to command assent: “He's gone!”—against her heart that hand But where he wish'd to win, so well unbent,

is driven,

That kindness cancell'd fear in those who Convulsed and quick-then gently raised

to heaven; And other's gifts show'd mean beside his She look'd and saw the heaving of the main;

word, The white sail set—she dared not look again; When echoed to the heart as from his own But turn'd with sickening soul within the His deep yet tender melody of tone:

gate

But such was foreign to his wonted nood, "It is no dream-and I am desolate!” He cared not what he soften'd, but subdued;

The evil passions of his youth had made

Him value less who loved - than what From crag to crag descending-swiftly

obey'd sped Stern Conrad down, nor once he turn’d his

head;

Around him mustering ranged his ready But shrunk whene'er the windings of his

guard. way

Before him Juan stands —"Are all prepared?" Forced on his eye what he would not survey, “They are-nay more -- embark’d: the latest His lone, but lovely dwelling on the steep,

boat That haild him first when homeward from Waits but my chief---" the deep :

“My sword, and my capote." And she- the dim and melancholy star, Soon firmly girded on, and lightly slung, Whose ray of beauty reach'd him from afar, His belt and cloak were o'er his shoulders On her he must not gaze, he must not think,

flung; There he might rest—but on Destruction's “Call Pedro here!” He comes – and Conrad brink :

bends, Yet once almost he stopp'd- and nearly gave With all the courtesy he deign’d his friends; His fate to chance, his projects to the wave; "Receive these tablets, and pernise with But no-it must not be- a worthy chief Words of high trust and truth are graven May melt, but not betray to woman's grief.

there; He sees his bark, he notes how fair the wind, Double the guard, and when Anselmo's bark And sternly gathers all his might of mind: Arrives, let him alike these orders merk: Again he hurries on-and as he hears In three days (serve the breeze) the sun The clang of tumult vibrate on his ears,

shall shine The busy sounds, the bustle of the shore, On our return -- till then all peace be thine!” The shout, the signal, and the dashing oar; This said, his brother Pirate's hand he As marks his eye the seaboy on the mast,

wrung, The anchor's rise, the sails unfurling fast, Then to his boat with haughty gesture 'The waving kerchiefs of the crowd that urge

sprung. That iute adieu to those who stem the surge; Flash'd the dipt oars, and sparkling with And more than all, his blood-red flag aloft,

66

care,

Around the waves' phosphoric brightness This hath he sworn by Alla and his sword,

broke;

And faithful to his firman and his word, They gain the vessel - on the deck he stands; His summon’d prows collect along the coast, Shrieks the shrill whistle-ply the busy And great the gathering crews, and loud hands.

the boast; He marks how well the ship her helm obeys, Already shared the captives and the prize, How gallant all her crew_and deigns to Though far the distant foe they thus despise;

praise.

'Tis but to sail-no doubt to-morrow's Sun His eyes of pride to young Gonsalvo turn Will see the Pirates bound-their haven Why doth he start, and inly seem to mourn?

won ! Alas! those eyes beheld his rocky tower, Mean time the watch may slumber, if they And live a moment o'er the parting-hour;

will, She-- his Medora-did she mark the prow? Nor only wake to war, but dreaming kill: Ah! never loved he half so much as now! Though all, who can, disperse on shore But much must yet be done ere dawn of

and seek day

To flesh their glowing valour on the Greek; Again he mans himself and turns away; How well such deed becomes the turban'd Down to the cabin with Gonsalvo bends,

braveAnd there unfolds his plan-his means - To bare the sabre's edge before a slave!

and ends;

Infest his dwelling - but forbear to slay, Before them burns the lamp, and spreads Their arms are strong, yet merciful to-day,

the chart,

And do not deign to smite because they And all that speaks and aids the naval art;

may! They to the midnight watch protract debate; Unless some gay caprice suggests the blow, To anxious eyes what hour is ever late? To keep in practice for the coming foe. Mean time, the steady breeze serenely blew, Revel and rout the evening-hours beguile, And fast and falcon-like the vessel flew; And they who wish to wear a head must Pass'd the high headlands of each clustering

smile, isle,

For Moslem mouths produce their choicest To gain their port - long-long ere morning

cheer, smile:

And hoard their curses, till the coast is clear. And soon the night-glass through the nar

row bay Discovers where the Pacha's galleys lay.

High in his hall reclines the turban'd Count they each sail – and mark how there

Seyd; supine

Around the bearded chiefs he came to lead. The lights in vain o'er heedless Moslem Renoved the banquet, and the last pilaff –

shine.

Forbidden draughts, 'tis said, he dared to Secure, unnoted, Conrad's prow pass'd by,

quaff, And anchor'd where his ambush meant to lie; Though to the rest the sober berry's juice, Screen'd from espial by the jutting cape,

The slaves bear round for rigid Moslem's use; That rears on high its rude fantastic shape. The long Chibouque's dissolving cloud Then rose his band to duty-not from

supply, sleep

While dance the Almas to wild minstrelsy. Equipp'd for deeds alike on land or deep;

The rising morn will view the chief embark, While lean’d their leader o'er the fretting But waves are somewhat treacherous in the flood,

dark: And calmly talk'd - and yet he talk'd of And revellers may more securely sleep

blood !

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 . Might warrant more than even the Pacha's

boast.

CANTO II.

"Conosceste i dubiosi desiri?"

DANTE.
With cautious reverence from the outer

gate. Ix Coron's bay floats many a galley light, Slow stalks the slave, whose office there Through Coron's lattices the lamps are

to wait, bright,

Bows his bent head-his hand salutes the For Seyd, the Pacha, makes a feast to

floor, night:

Ere yet his tongue the trusted tidings bore: A feast for promised triumph yet to come, "A captive Dervise, from the pirate's nest When he shall drag the fetter'd Rovers home; Escaped, is here-himself would tell the rest."

craves

He took the sign from Seyd's assenting eye, Pacha!- my limbs are faint-and nature
And led the holy man in silence nigh.
His arms were folded on his dark green vest, Food for my hunger, rest from tossing waves;
His step was feeble, and his look deprest; Permit my absence — peace be with thee!
Yet worn he seem'd of hardship more than

Peace.
years,

With all around! - now grant reposeAnd pale his cheek with penance, not from

release.” fears. Vow'd to his God - his sable locks he wore,

“Stay, Dervise! I have more to questionAnd these his lofty cap rose proudly o’er:

stay, Around his form his loose long robe was I do command thee-sit-dost hear?-obey !

thrown,

More I must ask, and food the slaves shall And wrapt a breast bestow'd on heaven alone;

bring; Submissive, yet with self-possession mannd, Thou shalt not pine where all are banquetHe calmly met the curious eyes that scann'd,

ing And question of his coming fain would seek, The supper done-prepare thee to reply, Before the Pacha's will allow'd to speak.

Clearly and full-I love not mystery."

man,

“Whence com'st thou, Dervise ?”

'Twere vain to guess what shook the pious "From the outlaw's den, A fugitive-"

Who look'd not lovingly on that Divan ; “Thy capture where and when ? ”Norshow'd high relish for the banquet prest, “From Scalanova's port to Scio’s isle And less respect for every fellow-guest. The Saick was bound; but Alla did not | 'Twas but a moment's peevishi hectic past

smile

Along his cheek, and tranquillized as fast: Upon our course-

-the Moslem merchant's He sate him down in silence, and his look gains

Resumed the calmness which before forsook: The Rovers won : our limbs have worn The feast was usher'd in- but sumptuous their chains.

fare I had no death to fear, nor wealth to boast, He shunn'd as if some poison mingled there. Beyond the wandering freedom which I lost; For one so long condemn’d to toil and fast, At length a fisher's humble boat by night Methinks he strangely spares the rich repast. Afforded hope, and offer'd chance of flight: What ails thee, Dervise? eat-dost thou I seized the hour, and find my safety here

suppose With thee-must mighty Pacha! who can | This feast a Christian's? or my friends thy fear? »

foes?

Why dost thou shun the salt? that sacred “How speed the outlaws? stand they well

pledge prepared,

Which, once partaken, blunts the sabre's T'heir plunder'd wealth, and robber's rock,

edge, to guard ? Makes even contending tribes in peace unite, Dream they of this our preparation, doom'd And hated hosts seem brethren to the sight!” To view with fire their scorpion-nest con

sumed?"
“ Salt seasons dainties—and my food is

still “ Pacha! the fetter'd captive's mourning The humblest root, my drink the simplest That weeps for flight, but ill can play the And my stern vow and order's laws oppose

spy;

To break or mingle bread with friends or I only heard the reckless waters roar,

foes; Those waves that would not bear me from It may seem strange - if there be'aught to the shore;

dread, I only mark'd the glorious sun and sky, That peril rests upon my single head; Too bright—too blue—for my captivity ; But for thy sway--nay more

e-thy Sultan's And felt--that all which Freedom's bosom

throne, cheers,

I taste nor bread, nor banquet-save alone ; Must break my chain before it dried my tears. Infringed our order's rule, the Prophet's rage This mayst thou judge, at least, from my To Mecca's dome might bar my pilgrimage."

escape, They little deem of aught in peril's shape; " Well-as thou wilt-ascetic as thou Else vainly had I pray'd or sought the chance That leads me here—if eyed with vigilance: One question answer; then in peace depart. The careless guard that did not see me fly, How many?-Ha! it cannot sure be day? May watch as idly when thy power is nigh: What star—what sun is bursting on the bay?

eve

rill;

art

It shines a lake of fire !-away-away! Of groaning victims, and wild cries for life, Ho! treachery! my guards! my scimitar! Proclaim'd how well he did the work ofstrife. The galleys feed the flames—and I afar! They shout to find him grim and lonely there, Accursed Dervise!-these thy tidings—thon A glutted tyger mangling in his lair! Some villain spy-seize-cleave him—slay But short their greeting-shorter his replyhim now!" 6 'Tis well--but Seyd escapes—and he must

die. Up rose the Dervise with that burst of Much hath been done – but more remains to light,

do Nor less his change of form appall’d the sight: Their galleys blaze – why not their city Up rose that Dervise—not in saintly garb,

too?”
But like a warrior bounding on his barb,
Dash'd his high cap, and tore his robeaway--
Shone his mail'd breast, and flash'd his

Quick at the word- they seized him each

a torch, sabre's ray!

And fire the dome from minaret to porch. His close but glittering casque, and sable A stern delight was fix'd in Conrad's eye,

plume,

But sudden sunk-for on his ear the cry More glittering eye, and black brow's sabler Of women struck, and like a deadly knell

gloom,

Knockd at that heart unmoved by battle's Glared on the Moslems'eyes someAfrit sprite,

yell. Whose demon-death-blow left no hope for

- Oh! burst the Haram – wrong not, on your

fight. The wild confusion, and the swarthy glow One female form

lives, remember

we have Of flames on high, and torches from below;

wives. The shriek of terror, and the mingling yell-On them such outrage Vengeance will For swords began to clash, and shouts to Man is our foe, and such 'tis ours to slay:

I rерау; swell,

But still we spared-must spare the weaker Flung o'er that spot of earth the air of hell!

prey: Distracted, to and fro, the flying slaves Behold but bloody shore and fiery waves; If at my word the helpless cease to live;

Oh! I forgot--But Heaven will not forgive Nought heeded they, the Pacha’s angry cry; Follow who will – I go — we yet have time They seize that Dervise! seize on Zatanai! Our souls to lighten of at least a crime." He saw their terror-check'd the first despair He climbs the crackling stair, he bursts That nrged him but to stand and perish there,

the door, Since far too early and too well obey'd,

Nor feels his feet glow scorching with tho The flame was kindled ere the signal made;

floor; He saw their terror --- from his baldric drew His breath choak’d gasping with the voHis bugle – brief the blast -- but shrilly

lumed smoke, blew;

But still from room to room his way he broko. 'Tis answer'd—“Well ye speed, my gallant They search, they find they save: with

crew! Why did I doubt their quickness of career? Each bears a prize of unregarded charms ;

lusty arms And deem design had left me single here?”

Calm their loud fears; sustain their sinking Sweeps his long arm—that sabre's whirling

frames sway,

With all the care defenceless beauty claims : Sheds fast atonement for its first delay;

So well could Conrad tame their fiercest Completes his fury, what their fear begun,

mood, And makes the many basely quail to one. The cloven turbans o'er the chamber spread, But who is she? whom Conrad's arms convey

And check the very hands with gore imbrued. And scarce an arm dare rise to guard its head: From reeking pile and combat's wreck Even Seyd, convulsed, o'erwhelm’d with

awayrage, surprise,

Who but the love of him he dooms to bleed? Retreats before him, though he still defies. The Haram - queen – but still the slave of No craven he--and yet he dreads the blow,

Seyd! So much Confusion magnifies his foe! His blazing galleys still distract his sight, He tore his beard, and foaming fled the fight; Brief time had Conrad now to greet For now the pirates pass’d the Haram-gate,

Gulnare, And burst within—and it were death to wait; Few words to reassure the trembling fair; Where wild Amazement shrieking-kneel- For in that pause compassion snatch'd from

ing-throws The sword aside-in vain the blood o'er- The foe, before retiring fast and far,

With wonder saw their footsteps unpursued, The Corsairs pouring, haste to where within First slowlier fled – then rallied -- then Invited Conrad's bugle, and the din

war,

crew,

a

'This Seyd perceives, then first perceives And him she saw, where thickest carnage how few,

spread, Compared with his, the Corsair's roving But gather'd breathing from the happier

dead; And blushes o'er his error, as he eyes Far from his band, and battling with a host The ruin wrought by panic and surprise. That deem right dearly won the field he lost, Alla il Alla! Vengeance swells the cry- Fellid – bleeding - baffled of the death he Shame mounts to rage that must atone or die!

sought, And flame for flame and blood for blood And snatch'd to expiate all the ills he must tell,

wrought; The tide of triumph ebbs that flow'd too Preserved to linger and to live in vain,

well

While Vengeance ponder'd o'er new plans When wrath returns to renovated strife,

of pain, And those who fought for conquest strike And staunch'd the blood she saves to shed for life.

again Conrad beheld the danger-he beheld But drop by drop, for Seyd's unglutted eye His followers faint by freshening foes Would doom him ever dying --ne'er to die !

repellid:

Can this be he? triumphant late she saw, “One effort – one – to break the circling When his red hand's wild gesture waved, host!"

a law! They form - unite-charge-waver--all is 'Tis he indeed - disarm'd but undeprest,

lost!

His sole regret the life he still possest; Within a narrower ring compress’d, beset, His wounds too slight, though taken with Hopeless not heartless, strive and struggle

that will, yet -

Which would have kiss'd the hand that then Ah! now they fight in firmest file no more,

could kill. Hemm'd in cut off -. cleft down – and Oh! were there none, of all the many given,

trampled o’er; To send his soul – he scarcely ask'd to But each strikes singly, silently, and home,

heaven? And sinks outwearied rather than o'ercome, Must he alone of all retain his breath, His last faint quittance rendering with his Who more than all had striven and struck breath,

for death? Till the blade glimmers in the grasp of death! He deeply felt what mortal hearts must

When thus reversed on faithless fortune's But first ere came the rallying host to

wheel, blows,

Forcrimes committed, and the victor's threat And rank to rank and hand to hand oppose, of lingering tortures to repay the debt Gulnare and all her Haram-handmaids freed, He deeply, darkly felt; but evil pride Safe in the dome of one who held their That led to perpetrate - now serves to hide.

creed,

Still in his stern and self-collected inien By Conrad's mandate safely were bestow'd, A conqueror's more than captive's air is seen; Aud dried those tears for life and fame that Though faint with wasting toil and stiffflow'd :

ening wound, And when that dark-eyed lady, young But few that saw – so calmly gazed around :

Gulnare,

Though the far shouting of the distant Recall'd those thoughts late wandering in

crowd, despair,

Their tremors o'er, rose insolently loud, Much did she marvel o'er the courtesy

The better warriors who beheld him near, That smoothed his accents ; sostend in his Insulted not the foe who taught them fear;

eye:

And the grim guards that to his durance led, 'Twas strange-that robber thus with gore In silence eyed him with a secret dread.

bedew'd, Seem'd gentler then than Seyd in fondest

mood.

The Leech was sent- but not in mercyThe Pacha wood as if he deem'd the slave

there Must seem delighted with the heart he gave; To note how much the life yet left could The Corsair vow'd protection, soothed

bear; afi'right,

He found enough to load with heaviest chain, As if his homage were a woman's right. And promise feeling for the wrench of pain : “ The wish is wrong

nay worse for To-morrow-yea--to-morrow's evening sun

fernale- vain : Will sinking see impalement's pangs begun, Yet much I long to view that chief again; And rising with the wonted blush of morn If but to thank for, what my fear forgot, Behold how well or ill those pangs are borne. The life-my loving lord remember'd not!” | Of torments this the longest and the worst,

feel,