V.

Within the Haram's secret chamber sate[230] Stern Seyd, still pondering o'er his Captive's fate; 1300 His thoughts on love and hate alternate dwell, Now with Gulnare, and now in Conrad's cell; Here at his feet the lovely slave reclined Surveys his brow--would soothe his gloom of mind; While many an anxious glance her large dark eye Sends in its idle search for sympathy, _His_ only bends in seeming o'er his beads,[231] But inly views his victim as he bleeds.

"Pacha! the day is thine; and on thy crest Sits Triumph--Conrad taken--fall'n the rest! 1310 His doom is fixed--he dies; and well his fate Was earned--yet much too worthless for thy hate: Methinks, a short release, for ransom told[hy] With all his treasure, not unwisely sold; Report speaks largely of his pirate-hoard-- Would that of this my Pacha were the lord! While baffled, weakened by this fatal fray-- Watched--followed--he were then an easier prey; But once cut off--the remnant of his band Embark their wealth, and seek a safer strand." 1320

"Gulnare!--if for each drop of blood a gem Where offered rich as Stamboul's diadem; If for each hair of his a massy mine Of virgin ore should supplicating shine; If all our Arab tales divulge or dream Of wealth were here--that gold should not redeem! It had not now redeemed a single hour, But that I know him fettered, in my power; And, thirsting for revenge, I ponder still On pangs that longest rack--and latest kill." 1330

"Nay, Seyd! I seek not to restrain thy rage, Too justly moved for Mercy to assuage; My thoughts were only to secure for thee His riches--thus released, he were not free: Disabled--shorn of half his might and band, His capture could but wait thy first command."

"His capture _could!_--and shall I then resign One day to him--the wretch already mine? Release my foe!--at whose remonstrance?--thine! Fair suitor!--to thy virtuous gratitude, 1340 That thus repays this Giaour's relenting mood, Which thee and thine alone of all could spare-- No doubt, regardless--if the prize were fair-- My thanks and praise alike are due--now hear! I have a counsel for thy gentler ear: I do mistrust thee, Woman! and each word Of thine stamps truth on all Suspicion heard.[hz] Borne in his arms through fire from yon Serai-- Say, wert thou lingering there with him to fly? Thou need'st not answer--thy confession speaks, 1350 Already reddening on thy guilty cheeks: Then--lovely Dame--bethink thee! and beware: 'Tis not _his_ life alone may claim such care! Another word and--nay--I need no more. Accursed was the moment when he bore Thee from the flames, which better far--but no-- I then had mourned thee with a lover's woe-- Now 'tis thy lord that warns--deceitful thing! Know'st thou that I can clip thy wanton wing? In words alone I am not wont to chafe: 1360 Look to thyself--nor deem thy falsehood safe!"

He rose--and slowly, sternly thence withdrew, Rage in his eye, and threats in his adieu: Ah! little recked that Chief of womanhood-- Which frowns ne'er quelled, nor menaces subdued; And little deemed he what thy heart, Gulnare! When soft could feel--and when incensed could dare! His doubts appeared to wrong--nor yet she knew How deep the root from whence Compassion grew-- She was a slave--from such may captives claim 1370 A fellow-feeling, differing but in name; Still half unconscious--heedless of his wrath, Again she ventured on the dangerous path, Again his rage repelled--until arose That strife of thought, the source of Woman's woes!