IN Coron's bay floats many a Galley light, Though far the distant foe they thus despise; "Tis but to sail no doubt to-morrow's Sun 620 -- Will see the Pirates bound their haven won! Mean time the watch may slumber, if they will, Nor only wake to war, but dreaming kill. Though all, who can, disperse on shore and seek To flesh their glowing valour on the Greek; How well such deed becomes the turbaned braveTo bare the sabre's edge before a slave! Infest his dwelling but forbear to slay, Their arms are strong, yet merciful to - day, To keep in practice for the coming foe. II. High in his hall reclines the turbaned Seyd; 4 The long Chibouque's dissolving cloud supply, While dance the Almas 5 to wild minstrelsy. The rising morn will view the chiefs embark; But waves are somewhat treacherous in the dark: And revellers may more securely sleep On silken couch than o'er the rugged deep; Feast there whe can nor combat till they must, 650 And less to conquest than to Korans trust; III. With cautious reverence from the outer gate, 660 And these his lofty cap rose proudly o'er: Around his form his loose long robe was thrown, And wrapt a breast bestowed on heaven alone; Submissive, yet with self-possession manned, He calmly met the courious eyes that scanned; 670 And question of his coming fain would seek; Before the Pacha's will allowed to speak. IV. "Whence com'st thou, Dervise?" "From the outlaw's den, "A fugitive" "Thy capture where and when?" "From Scalanova's port to Scio's isle, "The Saick was bound; but Alla did not smile "Upon our course the Moslem merchant's gains "The Rovers won: our limbs have worn their chains. -- "I had no death to fear, nor wealth to boast, "Beyond the wandering freedom which I lost; 680 "At length a fisher's humble boat by night : "Afforded hope, and offered chance of flight: "I seized the hour, and find my safety here "With the most mighty Pacha! who can fear?" "How speed the outlaws? stand they well prepared, "Their plundered wealth, and robber's rock, to guard? "Dream they of this our preparation, doomed. "To view with fire their scorpion nest consumed?” "Pacha! the fettered captive's mourning eye. "That weeps for flight, but ill can play the spy; 690 "I only heard the reckless waters roar, "Those waves that would not bear me from the shore; "I only marked the glorious sun and sky, "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 prayed or sought the chance "That leads me here if eyed with vigilance: 700 "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 "Food for my hunger, rest from tossing waves; "Permit my absence peace be with thee! Peace · now grant repose-release.” "With all around! "Stay, Dervise! I have more to question "I do command thee - sit dost hear? stay, obey! "More I must ask, and food the slaves shall bring; "Thou shalt not pine where all are banqueting; 710 |