"And when the Cossack maid beheld "My heavy eyes at length unseal'd, “But fail'd—and she approach'd, and made "And gently oped the door, and spake "In whispers-ne'er was voice so sweet! "Even music follow'd her light feet; "But those she call'd were not awake, "And she went forth; but, ere she pass'd, "Another look on me she cast, "Another sign she made, to say, "That I had nought to fear, that all "Were near, at my command or call, "And she would not delay “Her due return :—while she was gone, "Methought I felt too much alone. 820 830 XX. "She came with mother and with sire"What need of more ?-I will not tire "With long recital of the rest, "Since I became the Cossacks' guest: 66 They found me senseless on the plain— 66 They bore me to the nearest hut "They brought me into life again- "His rage, refining on my pain, "Sent me forth to the wilderness, "Bound, naked, bleeding, and alone, "To pass the desert to a throne, “What mortal his own doom may guess?"Let none despond, let none despair! "To-morrow the Borysthenes "May see our coursers graze at ease "As I shall yield when safely there. 840 850 "Comrades, good night!"-The Hetman threw 860 His length beneath the oak-tree shade, With leafy couch already made, A bed nor comfortless nor new To him, who took his rest whene'er The hour arrived, no matter where :- eyes the hastening slumbers steep. The king had been an hour asleep. |