"'Tis true, they are a lawless brood, But rough in form, nor mild in mood; And every creed, and every race, With them hath found--may find a place: But open speech, and ready hand, Obedience to their Chief's command; 850 A soul for every enterprise, That never sees with Terror's eyes; Friendship for each, and faith to all, And vengeance vowed for those who fall, Have made them fitting instruments For more than e'en my own intents. And some--and I have studied all Distinguished from the vulgar rank, But chiefly to my council call The wisdom of the cautious Frank:-- 860 And some to higher thoughts aspire. The last of Lambro's[171] patriots there Anticipated freedom share; And oft around the cavern fire On visionary schemes debate, To snatch the Rayahs[172] from their fate. So let them ease their hearts with prate Of equal rights, which man ne'er knew; I have a love for freedom too. Aye! let me like the ocean-Patriarch[173] roam, 870 Or only know on land the Tartar's home![174] My tent on shore, my galley on the sea, Are more than cities and Serais to me:[175] Borne by my steed, or wafted by my sail, Across the desert, or before the gale, Bound where thou wilt, my barb! or glide, my prow! But be the Star that guides the wanderer, Thou! Thou, my Zuleika, share and bless my bark; The Dove of peace and promise to mine ark![176] Or, since that hope denied in worlds of strife, 880 Be thou the rainbow to the storms of life! The evening beam that smiles the clouds away, And tints to-morrow with prophetic ray![177] Blest--as the Muezzin's strain from Mecca's wall To pilgrims pure and prostrate at his call; Soft--as the melody of youthful days, That steals the trembling tear of speechless praise; Dear--as his native song to Exile's ears,[gr] Shall sound each tone thy long-loved voice endears. For thee in those bright isles is built a bower 890 Blooming as Aden[178] in its earliest hour. A thousand swords, with Selim's heart and hand, Wait--wave--defend--destroy--at thy command![gs] Girt by my band, Zuleika at my side, The spoil of nations shall bedeck my bride. The Haram's languid years of listless ease Are well resigned for cares--for joys like these: Not blind to Fate, I see, where'er I rove, Unnumbered perils,--but one only love! Yet well my toils shall that fond breast repay, 900 Though Fortune frown, or falser friends betray. How dear the dream in darkest hours of ill, Should all be changed, to find thee faithful still! Be but thy soul, like Selim's firmly shown; To thee be Selim's tender as thine own; To soothe each sorrow, share in each delight,[gt]