"Nay, loved one, but I have a vow. Seest thou yon peak where clouds do lower; That mountain doth contain, I trow, A talisman of mighty power Within its heart, and I have sworn To seize it ere to-morrow's dawn. When at thy feet the gem I lay, Then, but not erst, our wedding day. "This is the vow I must fulfil, And ere we fly across the main The talisman, come good or ill, Is thine. I've sworn it thee to gain. It gives eternal life and youth, Annulling time's remorseless tooth. The mountain opens once a day; 'Tis guarded by a Genii grey." "Thou shalt not run this risk for me," Zuleika cried. But Selim's brow Grew darker. "Never maid," quoth he, "Shall counsel me to break my vow. Know'st thou not a warrior's word Is sacred ever as his sword? An thou wouldst be a chieftain's bride, Cease me for my vow to chide." Then round his neck her arms she flings. "Oh, Selim, hear me once and stay. Azrael flaps his dusky wings, Al Hassan smiles and points the way." These words in boding tones she saith-- "Thou ridest on to certain death. Last night I dreamed, my chieftain free, That Eblis ope'd its jaws for thee." Then with a smile he sought to lure Her fancies from their dark abode. "Thy maiden fears to but conjure These phantoms that the mind corrode." Then added, whilst his brows he bent, "Unworthy were I my descent, Could I be scared from this my theme By warning through a word or dream. "With thee I through the world would rove; But ere I seek to make thee mine, I'd prove me worthy of thy love, For I am of a Gheber line. The chieftain of a race whose breath Flows freer in the face of Death; No coward fear can e'er entwine Its coils around a heart like mine. "Think'st thou a warrior bred in strife And nurtured at the breast of woe Could bide a tame voluptuous life, Or stand in dread of mortal foe? I tell thee, girl, I live to brave The hairbreadth chances of the grave; Full weary were my life to me, Were danger not a luxury. "I carve my fate with my right arm, My life I dedicate to thee, I'll guard thee 'gainst the world from harm, And hold thee like a warrior free, Though Eblis' self should seek to wrest Thee from this true and loving breast. The sun is high; cease to repine. Farewell. The charm ere eve is thine." CANTO THE FOURTH. He on the pommel lays his hand, And lightly leaps into his seat; His steed impatiently the sand Is pawing with his eager feet. Now forward, and away! away! Fast onward speeds that charger gay; Fleet as the wind is Selim's flight To reach the goal ere fall of night.