THE CORSAIR. Canto II. who never spake before— But cries, “I warned thee!” when the deed is o’er. Vain voice! the spirit burning but unbent, May writhe rebel — the weak alone repent! Even in that lonely hour when most it feells, And, to itself, all all that self reveals, No single passion, and no ruling thought The joy untasted, the comtempt or hate 960 So keenly till that hour, but ne'er forgot; Barcs with its buried woes, till Pride awake, To snatch the mirror from the soul -- and break. Pride can veil, and Courage brave it all, Each hath some fear, and he who least betrays, The only hypocrite deserving praise: 970 Not the loud recreant wretch who boats and flies; But he who looks on death and silent dies. So steeled by pondering o'er his far career, XI. In the high chamber of his highest tower, same: Alone he sate in solitude had scanned 980 His guilty bosom, but that breast he manned: One thought alone he could not dared not meet. "Oh, how these tidings will Medora greet?" Then only then his clanking hands he raised, And strained with rage the chain on which he - gazed; But soon he found or feigned -or dreamed relief, And smiled in self-derision of his grief, “And now come torture when it willor may, "More need of rest to nerve me for the day!" 990 This said, with languor to his mat he crept, And, whatso'er his visions, quickly slept. 'Twas hardly midnight when that fray begun, - an outlaw on the deep Destroying-saving-prisoned-and asleep! 1000 XII. He slept in calmest sceming - for his breathi - Is it some seraph sent to grant him grace? No, 'tis an carthly form with heavenly face! 1ts white arm raised a lamp yet gently hid, Lest the ray flash abruptly on the lid Of that closed eye, which opens but to pain, And once unclosed-but once may close again, 1010 That form, with eye so dark, and cheek so fair, And auburn waves of gemmed and braided hair; With shape of fairy lightness naked foot That shines like snow, and falls on earth as mute→ Through guards and dunnest night how came it there? Ah! rather ask what will not woman dare? They stretch their listless limbs, and watch no more: Just raised their heads to hail the signet-ring, Nor ask or what or who the sign may bring. XIII. She gazed in wonder, "Can he calmly sleep, 1030 "While other eyes his fall or ravage weep? "And mine in restlessness are wandering here – "What sudden spell hath made this man so dear? "True 'tis to him my life, and more, I owe, "And me and mine he spared from worse than He raised his head and dazzled with the light, His eyed seemed dubious if it saw aright: He moved his hand-the grating of his chain 1040 Too harshly told him that he lived again. "What is that form? if not a shape of air, "Methinks, my jailor's face shows wond'rous fair!" "Pirate! thou know'st me not but I am one, "Grateful for deeds thou hast too rarely done; "Look on me - and remember her, thy hand "Snatched from the flames, aud thy more fearful band. |