Since his turban was cleft by the infidel's sabre![dj][77] * * * * * I hear the sound of coming feet, But not a voice mine ear to greet; More near--each turban I can scan, And silver-sheathèd ataghan;[78] The foremost of the band is seen An Emir by his garb of green:[79] "Ho! who art thou?"--"This low salam[80] Replies of Moslem faith I am.[dk] The burthen ye so gently bear, 360 Seems one that claims your utmost care, And, doubtless, holds some precious freight-- My humble bark would gladly wait."[dl] "Thou speakest sooth: thy skiff unmoor, And waft us from the silent shore; Nay, leave the sail still furled, and ply The nearest oar that's scattered by, And midway to those rocks where sleep The channelled waters dark and deep. Rest from your task--so--bravely done, 370 Our course has been right swiftly run; Yet 'tis the longest voyage, I trow, That one of--[81] * * * " * * * * * Sullen it plunged, and slowly sank, The calm wave rippled to the bank; I watched it as it sank, methought Some motion from the current caught Bestirred it more,--'twas but the beam That checkered o'er the living stream: I gazed, till vanishing from view, 380 Like lessening pebble it withdrew; Still less and less, a speck of white That gemmed the tide, then mocked the sight; And all its hidden secrets sleep, Known but to Genii of the deep, Which, trembling in their coral caves, They dare not whisper to the waves. * * * * *