"I woke--Where was I?--Do I see A human face look down on me? And doth a roof above me close? Do these limbs on a couch repose? Is this a chamber where I lie? 800 And is it mortal, yon bright eye That watches me with gentle glance? I closed my own again once more, As doubtful that the former trance Could not as yet be o'er. 805 A slender girl, long-hair'd, and tall, Sate watching by the cottage wall: The sparkle of her eye I caught, Even with my first return of thought; For ever and anon she threw 810 A prying, pitying glance on me With her black eyes so wild and free. I gazed, and gazed, until I knew No vision it could be,-- But that I lived, and was released 815 From adding to the vulture's feast. And when the Cossack maid beheld My heavy eyes at length unseal'd, She smiled--and I essay'd to speak, But fail'd--and she approach'd, and made 820 With lip and finger signs that said, I must not strive as yet to break The silence, till my strength should be Enough to leave my accents free; And then her hand on mine she laid, 825 And smooth'd the pillow for my head, And stole along on tiptoe tread, And gently oped the door, and spake In whispers--ne'er was voice so sweet! Even music follow'd her light feet;-- 830 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 835 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. XX