sion grew 'Tis not his life alone may claim such care! With not a friend to animate, and tell Another word and—nay-I need no more. To other ears that death became thee well; Accursed was the moment when he bore Around thee foes to forge the ready lie, Thee from the flames, which better far- And blot life's latest scene with calumny; but-no- Before thee tortures, which the soul can dare, I then had mourn'd thee with a lover's woe Yet doubts how well the shrinking flesh Now 'tis thy lord that warns- deceitful may bear; thing! But deeply feels a single cry would shame, Knowst thou that I can clip thy wanton To valour's praise thy last and dearest claim; wing? The life thou leavest below, denied above In words alone I am not wont to chafe: By kind monopolists of heavenly love; Look to thyself—nor deem thy falsehood And more than doubtful paradise - thy safe!” heaven Of earthly hope - thy loved one from thee He rose-and slowly, sternly thence riven. withdrew, Such were the thoughts that outlaw must Rage in his eye, and threats in his adieu : sustain, Ah! little reck'd that chief of womanhood - And govern pangs surpassing mortal pain: Which frowns ne'er quell’d, nor menaces And those sustaind he-boots it well or ill? subdued ; Since not to sink beneath, is something still! And little deem'd he what thy heart, Gulnare! The first day passd – be saw not hercould dare. Gulnare His doubts appear'd to wrong—nor yet The second-third- and still she came not she knew there; How deep the root from whence compas But what her words avouch'd, her charms had done, She was a slave-from such may captives or else he had not seen another sun. claim The fourth day roll'd along, and with the A fellow-feeling, differing but in name; night Still half unconscious heedless of his Came storm and darkness in their mingling wrath, might; Again she ventured on the dangerous path, Oh! how he listend to the rushing deep, Again his rage repellid until arose That ne'er till now so broke upon his sleep; That strife of thought, the source of wo- And his wild spirit wilder wishes sent, man's woes! Roused by the roar of his own element! Oft had he ridden on that winged wave, Meanwhile-long anxious—weary-still And loved its roughness for the speed it gave; - the same And now its dashing echo'd on his ear, Rolld day and night-his soul could ter- A long known voice - alas! too vainly near! ror tame Loud sung the wind above; and, doubly This fearful interval of doubt and dread, loud, When every hour might doom him worse Shook o'er his turret-cell the thunder-cloud ; than dead, And flash'd the lightning by the latticed bar, When every step that echo'd by the gate, To him more genial than the midnight-star: Might entering lead where axe and stake Close to the glimmering grate he dragg'd await; his chain, When every voice that grated on his ear And hoped that peril might not prove in vain. Might be the last that he could ever hear; He raised his iron hand to Heaven, and Could terror tame, that spirit stern and high One pitying flash to mar the form it made: Had proved unwilling as unfit to die; His steel and impious prayer attract alike'Twas worn – perhaps decay'd - yet silent The storm rolld onward and disdain'd to bore strike; That conflict deadlier far than all before: Its peal wax'd fainter- ceased — he felt alone, The heat of fight, the hurry of the gale, As if some faithless friend had spurn'd his Leave scarce one thought inert enough to quail; But bound and fix'd in fetter'd solitude, The midnight pass’d—and to the massy To pine, the prey of every changing mood; door, To gaze on thine own heart; and meditate A light step came-it paused-it moved Irrevocable faults, and coming fate once more; Too late the last to shun, the first to mend -- Slow turns the grating bolt and sullen key : To count the hours that struggle to thine end, I 'Tis as his heart foreboded - that fair she! pray'd groan! came, 99 worse. to spare, Whate'er her sins, to him a guardian-saint, | Thou hast forgot is this a garb for And beauteous still as hermit's hope can flight? paint; Or is that instrument more fit for fight ? " Yet changed since last within that cell she More pale her cheek, more tremulous her "Misdoubting Corsair! I have gaind the frame: guard, On him she cast her dark and hurried eye, Ripe for revolt, and greedy for reward. Which spoke before her accents —"thou A single word of mine removes that chain: must die! Without some aid how here could I remain? Yes, thou must die-there is but one re- Well, since we met, hath sped my busy source, time, The last--the worst-if torture were not If in aught evil, for thy sake the crime: The crimo- tis none to punish those of Seyd. “Lady! I look to none-my lips proclaim That hated tyrant, Conrad - he must bleed! What last proclaim'd they -- Conrad still I see thee shudder-but my soul ischanged the same: Wrong'd-spurn'd-reviled-and it shall be Why shouldst thou seek an outlaw's life avenged Accused of what till now my heart disAnd change the sentence I deserve to bear? dain'd Well have I earn’d-nor here alone—the Too faithful, though to bitter bondage meed chain'd. Of Seyd's revenge by many a lawless deed.” Yes, smile!, but he had little cause to sneer, I was not treacherous then-nor thou too dear : “Why should I seek? because-Oh! didst But he has said it, and the jealous well, thou not Those tyrants, teasing, tempting to rebel, Redeem my life from worse than slavery's Deserve the fate their fretting lips foretell. lot? I never loved - he bought me - somewhat Why should I seek ?-hath misery made highthee blind Since with me came a heart he could not buy. To the fond workings of a woman's mind! I was a slave unmurmuring; he hath said, And must I say? albeit my heart rebel But for his rescue I with thee had fled. With all that woman feels, but should not 'Twas false thou knowst-but let such tell augurs rue, Because--despite thy crimes—that heart is Their words are omens Insult renders true. moved : Nor was thy respite granted to my prayer; It feard thee-thank'd thee-pitied-mad- This fleeting grace was only to prepare den'd-loved. New torments for thy life, and my despair. Reply not, tell not now thy tale again, Mine too he threatens ; but his dotage 'Thou lov'st another--and I love in vain; still Though fond as mine her bosom, form more Would fain reserve me for his lordly will: fair, When wearier of these fleeting charms and I rush through peril which she would not dare. There yawns the sack-and yonder rolls If that thy heart to hers were truly dear, the sea ! Were I thine own-thou wert not lonely What, am I then a toy for dotard's play, here: To wear but till the gilding frets away? An outlaw's spouse--and leave her lord to I saw thee-loved thee-owe thee allroam ! would save, What hath such gentle dame to do with If but to show how grateful is a slave. home? But had he not thus menaced fame and life, But speak not now-o'er thine and o'er my (And well he keeps his oaths pronounced head in strife) Hangs the keen sabre by a single thread; I still had saved thee—but the Pacha spared. If thou hast courage still, and wouldst be Now I am all thine own-for all prepared: free, Thou lov'st me not-nor knowst-or but Receive this poniard-rise—and follow the worst. Alas! this love-that batred are the first – Oh! couldst thou prove my truth, thout “Ay-in my chains! my steps will gently wouldst pot start, tread, Nor fear the fire that lights an Eastern heart; With these adornments, o’er each slumber- 'Tis now the beacon of thy safety-now ing head! ine, me!" Bat in one chamber, where our path must From a lone chamber struck upon his sight. lead, Towards it he moved, a scarcely closing door There sleeps - he must not wake--the op- Reveal'd the ray within, but nothing more. pressor Seyd!” With hasty step a figure outward past, Then paused -and turnid - and pansed- 'tis "Gulnare - Gulnare - I never felt till now She at last! My abject fortune, wither'd fame so low: No poniard in that hand nor sign of ill Seyd is mine enemy: had swept my band "Thanks to that softening heart - she could From earth with ruthless but with open not kill!" hand, Again he look’d, the wildness of her eye And therefore came I, in my bark of war, Starts from the day abrupt and fearfully. To smite the siniter with the scimitar; She stopp'd - threw back her dark far-floatSuch is my weapon--not the secret knife ing hair, Who spares a woman's seeks not slumber's That nearly veil'd her face and bosom fair: life. As if she late had bent her leaning head Thine saved I gladly, Lady, not for this Aboye some object of her doubt or dread. Let me not deem that mercy shewn amiss. They meet - upon her brow- unknown Now fare thee well-more peace be with forgot thy breast! Her hurrying hand had left-'twas but a Night wears apace---my last of earthly rest!” spotIts hue was all he saw, and scarce with stood "Rest! Rest! by sunrise must thy sinews shake, 'tis bloed! He had seen battle - he had brooded lone My life, my love - my hatred - all below O’er promised pangs to sentenced guilt foreAre on this cast - Corsair! 'tis but a blow! shown; Without it flight were idle - How evade He had been tempted- chasten'd--and the His sure pursuit? my wrongs too uurepaid. chain My youth disgraced the long, long wasted Yet on his arms might ever there remain But ne'er from strise - captivity-remorse – years, One blow shall cancel with our future fears; From all his feelings in their inmost force -But since the dagger suits thee less than As now they froze before that purple stain. So thrill'd so shudder'd every creeping vein, brand, I'll try the firmness of a female hand. That spot of blood, that light but guilty The guards are gaind - one moment all streak, were o'er Had banish'd all the beauty from her cheek! Corsair! we ineet in safety or no more; Blood he had view'd 'could view nnmoved If errs my feeble hand, the morning-cloud but then Will hovero'er thy scaffold and my shroud." It flow'd in combat, or was shed by men! She turn'd,and vanish'd ere he could reply, 66 'Tis done – he nearly waked – but it is But his glance follow'd far with eager eye; done. And gathering, as he could, the links that Corsair! he perish'd—thou art dearly won. bound All words would now be vain-away-away! His form, to curl their length, and curb Our bark is tossing—'tis already day. their sound, The few gain'd over now are wholly mine, Since bar and bolt no more his steps pro- And these thy yet surviving band shall join: clude, Anon my voice shall vindicate my hand, He, fast as fetter'd limbs allow, pursued. When once our sail forsakes this hated 'T'was dark and winding, and he knew not strand.” where That passage led; nor lamp nor guard She clapp'd her hands- and through the were there: gallery pour, He sees a dusky glimmering-shall he seek Equipp'd for flight, her vassals – Greek and Or shun that ray so indistinct and weak ? Moor; Chance guides his steps- a freshness seems Silent but quick they stoop, his chains to bear unbind; Full on his brow, as if from morning-air- Once more his limbs are free as mountainHe reach'd an open gallery-on his eye wind! Gleam'd the last star of night, the clearing But on his heavy heart such sadness sate, sky: As if they there transferr'd that iron weight. Yet scarcely hecded these - another light No words are utter'd--at her sign, a door . Reveals the secret passage to the shore; A long, long absent gladness in his glance; The city lies behind - they speed, they reach • 'Tis mine - my blood-red flag! again The glad waves dancing on the yellow again beach; I am not all deserted on the main!” And Conrad following, at her beck, obey'd, They own the signal, answer to the hail, Nor cared he now if rescued or betray'd; Hoist out the boat at once, and slacken sail. Resistance were as useless as if Seyd • 'Tis Conrad ! Conrad !” shouting from Yet lived to view the doom his ire decreed. the deck, Comunand nor duty could their transport check! Embark'd, the sail unfurld, the light with light alacrity and gaze of pride, breeze blew They view him mount once more his vosHow much had Conrad's meinory to review! sel's side; Sunk he in contemplation, till the cape Where last he anchor'd reard its giant- Their arms A smile relaxing in each rugged face, can scarce forbear a rough shape. embrace. Ah!- since that fatal night, though brief He, half forgetting danger and defeat, the time, Returns their greeting as a chief may greet, Had swept an age of terror, grief, and Wrings with a cordial grasp Anselmo's hand, crime. As its far shadow frown'd above the mast, And feels he yet can conquer and cominand! He veil'd his face, and sorrow'd as he past; He thought of all-Gonsalvo and his band, These greetings o’er, the feelings that His fleeting triamph and his failing hand, o'erflow, He thought on her afar, his lonely bride: Yet grieve to win him back without a blow; He turn'd and saw -- Gulnare, the homicide! They sail'd prepared for vengeance - ' had they known She watch'd his features till she could A woman's hand secured that deed her own, not bear She were their queen -- less scrupulous are Their freezing aspect and averted air, they And that strange fierceness, foreign to her eye, Than hanghty Conrad how they win their Fell quench'd in tears, too late to shed or dry With many an asking smile, and wonder way. She knelt beside him, and his hand she prest. “Thou mayst forgive though Alla's self ing stare, detest; They whisper rouud, and gaze upon Gulnare; But for that deed of darkness what wert And her, at once above -- beneath her sex, thou ? Whom blood appall'd not, their regards Reproach me - but not yet - Oh! spare me To Conrad turns her faint imploring eye, perplex. i nour! Lam not what I seen this fearful night She drops her veil, and stands in silence by: My brain bewilderd - do not madden quite! Her arms are meekly folded on that breast If I had never loved—though less my guilt, Which - Conrad safe-to fate resign'd the rest! Thou hadst not lived to - hate me - if thou Though worse than phrensy could that bozom fill, wilt." Extreme in love or hate, in good or ill, She wrongs his thoughts, they more him- The worst of crimes had left her woman still! self upbraid Than her, though undesign'd, the wretch This Conrad mark’d, and felt ah! could he made ; he less ? But speechless all, deep, dark,and unexprest, Hate of that deed - but grief for her distress ; They bleed within that silent cell-his What she has done no tears can wash away, breast. And Heaven must panish on its angry day: Still onward, fair the breeze, nor rough But- it was done: he knew, whate'er her guilt, The blue waves sport around the stern they for him that poniard sınote, that blood was urge; spilt;'; Far on the horizon's verge appears a speck, And he was free!-- and she for him had given A spot -a mast- a sail - an armed deck! Her all on earth, and more than all in Their little bark her men of watch descry, heaven! And ampler canvas woos the wind from high; And now he turn'd him to that dark-eyed She bears her dowu majestically near, slave Speed on her prow, and terror in her tier; Whose brow was bow'd beneath the glance A hash is seen the ball beyond their bów ; he gavc, Booms harmless, hissing to the deep below! Who now seem’d changed and humbled: I'p rose keen Conrad fruin his silent trance, fain and meek.' the surge, own But varying oft the colour of her cheek Oh! for a wing beyond the falcon's flight, To deeper shades of paleness—all its red To bear him like an arrow to that height! That fearful spot which stain'd it from the With the first pause the resting rowers gave, dead! He waits not - looks not - leaps into the wave, He took that hand-it trembled---now too Strives through the surge, bestrides the late beach, and high So soft in love—80 wildly nerved in hate; Ascends the path familiar to his eye. He clasp'd that hand - it trembled—and his Had lost its firmness, and his voice its tone. He reach'd his turret-door – he paused “Gulnare!”—but she replied not—"dear no sound Gulnare!" Broke from within; and all was night around. She raised her eye-her only answer there - He knock'd, and loudly-footstep nor reply At once she sought and sunk in his embrace: Announced that any heard or decm'd him If he had driven her from that resting-place, nigh; His had been more or less than mortal heart, He knock'd- but faintly-for his trembling hand But-good or ill - it bade her not depart. Perchance, but for the bodings of his breast, Refused to aid his heavy heart's demand. His latest virtue then had join'd the rest. The portal opens — 'tis a well known faceYet even Medora might forgive the kiss But not the form he panted to embrace; That ask'd from form so fair no more than Its lips are silent-twice his own essay'd, this, And fail'd to frame the question they The first, the last that Frailty stole from delay'd; Faith He snatch'd the lamp-its light will answer all To lips where Love had lavish'd all his breath, It quits his grasp, expiring in the fall. To lips – whose broken sighs such fragrance As soon could he have linger’d there for day; He would not wait for that reviving ray fling, As he had fann'd them freshly with his wing! But, glimmering through the dusky corri dore, Another chequers o'er the shadow'd floor; They gain by twilight's hour their lonely His steps the chamber gain - his eyes behold isle. All that his heart believed not yet foretold! To them the very rocks appear to smile; The haven hums with many a cheering He turn'd not-spoke not-sunk not-fix'd sound, his look, The beacons blaze their wonted stations And set the anxious frame that lately shook: round, He gazed - how long we gaze despite of pain, The boats are darting o'er the curly bay, And know, but dare not own, we gaze in vain! And sportive dolphins bend them through In life itself she was so still and fair, That death with gentler aspect wither'd Even the hoarse sea-bird's shrill, discordant there; shriek, And the cold flowers her colder hand conGreets like the welcome of his tuneless beak! tain'd, Beneath each lamp that through its lattice In that last grasp as tenderly were strain'd gleams, As if she scarcely felt, but feign’d a sleep, Their fancy paints the friends that trim And made it almost mockery yet to weep : the beams. The long dark lashes fringed her lids of Oh! what can sanctify the joys of home, snow, Like Hope's gay glance from Ocean's trou- And veil'd – thought shrinks from all that bled foam ? Jurk'd below Oh! o'er the eye death most exerts his might, The lights are high on beacon and from And hurls the spirit from her throne of bower, light! And midst them Conrad seeks Medora's tower: Sinks those blue orbs in that long last eclipse, lle looks in vain --'tis strange-and all re- But spares, as yet, the charm around her mark, lipsAmid so many, hers alone is dark. Yet, yet they seem as they forbore to smile, 'T'is strange -- of yore its welcome never And wish'd repose -- but only for a while; fail'd But the white shiroud, and each extended Nor now, perchance, extinguish'd, only tress, veil'd. Long-fair but spread in utter lifelessness, With the first boat descends he for the Which, late the sport of every summer-wind. shore, Escaped the baffled wreath that strove to And looks impatient on the lingering oar. bind; the spray; |