78 TIIE BRIDE OF ABYDOS.

Soft, as the memory of buried lore; 166

Pure , as the prayer w hich Childhood wafts above;Was she — the daughter of that rude old Chief,Who met the maid with tears — butnot of grief.

Who hath not proved how feebly words essay 170To lix one .spark of beauty’s heavenly ray?W'ho doth not feel, until bis failing sightFaints into dimness with its own delight.

His changing cheek, his sinking heart confessThe might — the majesty of Loveliness ? 1^5

Such was Zuleika — such around her shoneThe nameless charms unmarked by her alone:The light of love, the purity of grace,

The mind, the Music breathing from her face, ^The heart whose softness harmonized the whole —And, oh! that eye was in itself a Soul! 181

Her graceful arms in meekness bendingAcross her gently - budding breast;

At one kind word those arms extendingTo clasp the neck of him who blest i 85His child caressing and cares,

Zuleika came — and Giaftir feltllis purpose half within him melt,

IVot that against her fancied wealHis heart though stern could ever feel; igoAffection chained her to that heart;Ambition tore the links apart.