For thousands of years were inhumed on the shore: Where they lie, and how they fell? 765 770 Not a stone on their turf, nor a bone in their graves; But they live in the verse that immortally saves. XXVI. Hark to the Allah shout! a band Of the Mussulman bravest and best is at hand : 775 Their leader's nervous arm is bare, Swifter to smite, and never to spare Unclothed to the shoulder it waves them on; Thus in the fight is he ever known : Others a gaudier garb may show, To tempt the spoil of the greedy foe ; 780 But none on a steel more ruddily gilt; Many a loftier turban may wear,— Alp is but known by the white arm bare; 785 Look through the thick of the fight, 'tis there! There is not a standard on that shore So well advanced the ranks before; There is not a banner in Moslem war Will lure the Delhis half so far; 790 It glances like a falling star! Vainly to the vengeful Tartar; Scorns to yield a groan in dying; 'Gainst the nearest levelled foe, 795 Though faint beneath the mutual wound, 800 Grappling on the gory ground. XXVII. Still the old man stood erect, "Yield thee, Minotti; quarter take, "For thine own, thy daughter's sake." 805 "Never, renegado, never! Though the life of thy gift would last for ever." "Francesca!-Oh my promised bride! "Must she too perish by thy pride?” "She is safe.". "Where? where?"- "In heaven; 810 "From whence thy traitor soul is driven— "Far from thee, and undefiled." Grimly then Minotti smiled, As he saw Alp staggering bow Before his words, as with a blow. "Oh God! when died she?"—" Yesternight "Nor weep I for her spirit's flight: 815 |