"Why should I seek? because--Oh! did'st thou not Redeem my life from worse than Slavery's lot? Why should I seek?--hath Misery made thee blind To the fond workings of a woman's mind? And must I say?--albeit my heart rebel 1460 With all that Woman feels, but should not tell-- Because--despite thy crimes--that heart is moved: It feared thee--thanked thee--pitied--maddened--loved. Reply not, tell not now thy tale again, Thou lov'st another--and I love in vain: Though fond as mine her bosom, form more fair, I rush through peril which she would not dare. If that thy heart to hers were truly dear, Were I thine own--thou wert not lonely here: An outlaw's spouse--and leave her Lord to roam! 1470 What hath such gentle dame to do with home? But speak not now--o'er thine and o'er my head Hangs the keen sabre by a single thread;[ib] If thou hast courage still, and would'st be free, Receive this poniard--rise and follow me!" "Aye--in my chains! my steps will gently tread, With these adornments, o'er such slumbering head! Thou hast forgot--is this a garb for flight? Or is that instrument more fit for fight?" "Misdoubting Corsair! I have gained the guard, 1480 Ripe for revolt, and greedy for reward. A single word of mine removes that chain: Without some aid how here could I remain? Well, since we met, hath sped my busy time, If in aught evil, for thy sake the crime: The crime--'tis none to punish those of Seyd. That hatred tyrant, Conrad--he must bleed! I see thee shudder, but my soul is changed-- Wronged--spurned--reviled--and it shall be avenged-- Accused of what till now my heart disdained-- 1490 Too faithful, though to bitter bondage chained. Yes, smile!--but he had little cause to sneer, I was not treacherous then, nor thou too dear: But he has said it--and the jealous well,-- Those tyrants--teasing--tempting to rebel,-- Deserve the fate their fretting lips foretell. I never loved--he bought me--somewhat high-- Since with me came a heart he could not buy. I was a slave unmurmuring; he hath said, But for his rescue I with thee had fled. 1500 'Twas false thou know'st--but let such Augurs rue, Their words are omens Insult renders true. Nor was thy respite granted to my prayer; This fleeting grace was only to prepare New torments for thy life, and my despair. Mine too he threatens; but his dotage still Would fain reserve me for his lordly will: When wearier of these fleeting charms and me, There yawns the sack--and yonder rolls the sea! What, am I then a toy for dotard's play, 1510 To wear but till the gilding frets away? I saw thee--loved thee--owe thee all--would save,