"His capture _could!_--and shall I then resign One day to him--the wretch already mine? Release my foe!--at whose remonstrance?--thine! Fair suitor!--to thy virtuous gratitude, 1340 That thus repays this Giaour's relenting mood, Which thee and thine alone of all could spare-- No doubt, regardless--if the prize were fair-- My thanks and praise alike are due--now hear! I have a counsel for thy gentler ear: I do mistrust thee, Woman! and each word Of thine stamps truth on all Suspicion heard.[hz] Borne in his arms through fire from yon Serai-- Say, wert thou lingering there with him to fly? Thou need'st not answer--thy confession speaks, 1350 Already reddening on thy guilty cheeks: Then--lovely Dame--bethink thee! and beware: 'Tis not _his_ life alone may claim such care! Another word and--nay--I need no more. Accursed was the moment when he bore Thee from the flames, which better far--but no-- I then had mourned thee with a lover's woe-- Now 'tis thy lord that warns--deceitful thing! Know'st thou that I can clip thy wanton wing? In words alone I am not wont to chafe: 1360 Look to thyself--nor deem thy falsehood safe!" He rose--and slowly, sternly thence withdrew, Rage in his eye, and threats in his adieu: Ah! little recked that Chief of womanhood-- Which frowns ne'er quelled, nor menaces subdued; And little deemed he what thy heart, Gulnare! When soft could feel--and when incensed could dare! His doubts appeared to wrong--nor yet she knew How deep the root from whence Compassion grew-- She was a slave--from such may captives claim 1370 A fellow-feeling, differing but in name; Still half unconscious--heedless of his wrath, Again she ventured on the dangerous path, Again his rage repelled--until arose That strife of thought, the source of Woman's woes! VI.