V.

Quick at the word they seized him each a torch, And fire the dome from minaret to porch. A stern delight was fixed in Conrad's eye, But sudden sunk--for on his ear the cry Of women struck, and like a deadly knell Knocked at that heart unmoved by Battle's yell. "Oh! burst the Haram--wrong not on your lives One female form--remember--_we_ have wives. On them such outrage Vengeance will repay; 810 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; His breath choked gasping with the volumed smoke, But still from room to room his way he broke. 820 They search--they find--they save: with lusty arms Each bears a prize of unregarded charms; Calm their loud fears; sustain their sinking frames With all the care defenceless Beauty claims: So well could Conrad tame their fiercest mood, And check the very hands with gore imbrued. But who is she? whom Conrad's arms convey, From reeking pile and combat's wreck, away-- Who but the love of him he dooms to bleed? The Haram queen--but still the slave of Seyd! 830