"Worse than idle is compassion If it end in tears and sighs; 20 Thee from bondage would I rescue And from vile indignities; Nurtured, as thy mien bespeaks, in high degree, Look up--and help a hand that longs to set thee free." V "Lady! dread the wish, nor venture 25 In such peril to engage; Think how it would stir against you Your most loving father's rage: Sad deliverance would it be, and yoked with shame, Should troubles overflow on her from whom it came." 30 VI "Generous Frank! the just in effort Are of inward peace secure: Hardships for the brave encountered, Even the feeblest may endure: If almighty grace through me thy chains unbind 35 My father for slave's work may seek a slave in mind." VII "Princess, at this burst of goodness, My long-frozen heart grows warm!" "Yet you make all courage fruitless, Me to save from chance of harm: 40 Leading such companion I that gilded dome, Yon minarets, would gladly leave for his worst home." VIII "Feeling tunes your voice, fair Princess! And your brow is free from scorn, Else these words would come like mockery, 45 Sharper than the pointed thorn." "Whence the undeserved mistrust? Too wide apart Our faith hath been,--O would that eyes could see the heart!" IX "Tempt me not, I pray; my doom is These base implements to wield; 50 Rusty lance, I ne'er shall grasp thee, Ne'er assoil my cobwebb'd shield! Never see my native land, nor castle towers, Nor Her who thinking of me there counts widowed hours." X "Prisoner! pardon youthful fancies; 55 Wedded? If you _can_, say no! Blessed is and be your consort; Hopes I cherished--let them go! Handmaid's privilege would leave my purpose free, Without another link to my felicity." 60 XI "Wedded love with loyal Christians, Lady, is a mystery rare; Body, heart, and soul in union, Make one being of a pair." "Humble love in me would look for no return, 65 Soft as a guiding star that cheers, but cannot burn." XII