XXI.

"His head and faith from doubt and death 950 Returned in time my guard to save; Few heard, none told, that o'er the wave From isle to isle I roved the while: And since, though parted from my band Too seldom now I leave the land, No deed they've done, nor deed shall do, Ere I have heard and doomed it too: I form the plan--decree the spoil-- Tis fit I oftener share the toil. But now too long I've held thine ear; 960 Time presses--floats my bark--and here We leave behind but hate and fear. To-morrow Osman with his train Arrives--to-night must break thy chain: And would'st thou save that haughty Bey,-- Perchance _his_ life who gave thee thine,-- With me this hour away--away! But yet, though thou art plighted mine, Would'st thou recall thy willing vow, Appalled by truths imparted now, 970 Here rest I--not to see thee wed: But be that peril on _my_ head!"