If but to show how grateful is a slave. But had he not thus menaced fame and life,-- And well he keeps his oaths pronounced in strife-- I still had saved thee--but the Pacha spared: Now I am all thine own--for all prepared: Thou lov'st me not--nor know'st--or but the worst. Alas! _this_ love--_that_ hatred--are the first-- Oh! could'st thou prove my truth, thou would'st not start, 1520 Nor fear the fire that lights an Eastern heart; 'Tis now the beacon of thy safety--now It points within the port a Mainote prow: But in one chamber, where our path must lead, There sleeps--he must not wake--the oppressor Seyd!" "Gulnare--Gulnare--I never felt till now My abject fortune, withered fame so low: Seyd is mine enemy; had swept my band From earth with ruthless but with open hand, And therefore came I, in my bark of war, 1530 To smite the smiter with the scimitar; Such is my weapon--not the secret knife; Who spares a Woman's seeks not Slumber's life. Thine saved I gladly, Lady--not for this; Let me not deem that mercy shown amiss. Now fare thee well--more peace be with thy breast! Night wears apace, my last of earthly rest!"[ic] "Rest! rest! by sunrise must thy sinews shake, And thy limbs writhe around the ready stake, I heard the order--saw--I will not see-- 1540 If thou wilt perish, I will fall with thee. My life--my love--my hatred--all below Are on this cast--Corsair! 'tis but a blow! Without it flight were idle--how evade His sure pursuit?--my wrongs too unrepaid, My youth disgraced--the long, long wasted years, One blow shall cancel with our future fears; But since the dagger suits thee less than brand, I'll try the firmness of a female hand. The guards are gained--one moment all were o'er-- 1550 Corsair! we meet in safety or no more; If errs my feeble hand, the morning cloud Will hover o'er thy scaffold, and my shroud." IX.