"The supper done prepare thee to reply, "Clearly and full- I love not mystery." "Twere vain to guess what shook the pious man, 'Twas but a moment's peevish hectic past Along his check, and tranquillized as fast: He sate him down in silence, and his look Resumed the calmness which before forsook: 720 The feast was ushered in but sumptuous fare He shunned as if some poison mingled there. For one so long condemned to toil and fast, Methinks he strangely spares the rich repast. "What ails thee, Dervise? eat-dost thou suppose "This feast a Christian's? or my friends thy foes? "Why dost thou shun the salt? that sacred pledge, "Which, once partaken, blunts the sabre's edge, "Makes even contending tribes in peace unite, "And hated hosts seem brethren to the sight! 730 · "Salt seasons dainties and my food is still "The humblest root, my drink the simplest rill; "And my stern vow and order's laws oppose "To break or mingle bread with friends or foes; "It may seem strange-if there be aught to dread, "That peril rests upon my single head; save alone; throne, "I taste nor bread nor banquet "Infringed our order's rule, the Prophet's rage "To Mecca's dome might bar my pilgrimage." 740 "Well as thou wilt ascetic as thou art - "One question answer; then in peace depart. "How many? - Ha! it cannot sure be day? "What star what sun is bursting on the bay? "It shines a lake of fire! away away! "Ho! treachery! my guards! my scimitar! "The galleys feed the flames and I afar! "Accursed Dervise! these thy tidings "Some villain spy seize cleave him thou slay him now!? Up rose the Dervise with that burst of light, 750 His close but glittering casque, and sable plume, The flame was kindled ere the signal made; His bugle brief the blast but shrilly blew, "Tis answered-"Well ye speed, my gallant crew! "Why did I doubt their quickness of career? "And deem design had left me single here?" Sweeps his long arm -- that sabre's whirling sway, Sheds fast atonement for its first delay; Completes his fury: what their fear begun, 780. And makes the many basely quail to one. The cloven turbans o'er the chamber spread, And scarce an arm dare rise to guard its head: Even Seyd, convulsed, o'erwhelmed with rage, surprise, Retreats before him, though he still defies. No craven he and yet he dreads the blow, So much Confusion magnifies his foe! His blazing galleys still distract his sight, He tore his beard, and foaming fled the fight; 8 For now the pirates passed the Haram gate, 790 And burst within and it were death to wait; Where wild Amazement shrieking - kneeling throws The sword aside - - in vain - the blood o'erflows! The Corsairs pouring, haste to where within, Of groaning victims, and wild cries for life, But short their greeting- shorter his reply- 800 ""Tis well but Seyd escapes and he must die. "Much hath been done- but more remains to do V. Quick at the word-they seized him each a torch, 810 "One female form remember - we have wives. "On them such outrage Vengeance will repay; "Man is our foe, and such 'tis ours to slay: "But still we spared-must spare the weaker prey. "Oh! I forgot but Heaven will not forgive "If at my word the helpless cease to live; "Follow who will I go we yet have time "Our souls to lighten of at least a crime." He climbs the crackling stair- he bursts the door. Nor feels his feet glow scorching with the floor; 820 His breath choaked gasping with the volumed smoke, But still from room to room his way he broke. They search they find they save: with lusty arms Each bears a prize of unregarded charms; Calm their loud fears, sustain their sinking frames |