CANTO T.

85

Than he, who heard that vow, displayed, 345And all, before repressed, betrayed:

"Now thou art mine, for ever mine,

" With life to keep, and scarce with life resign;‘ Now thou art mine, that sacred oath,"Though sworn by one, hath hound us both. 35o"Yes, fondly, wisely hast thou done,

"That vow hath saved more heads than one:"But blench not thou -— thy simplest tress"Claims more from me than tenderness;

"I would not wrong the slenderest hair 355"That clusters round thy forehead fair,

" For all the treasures buried far" Within the caves of lstakar.

"This morning clouds upon me lowered,"Reproaches on my head were showered, 36o"And -Giaffir almost called me coward!

"Now l have motive to be brave;

"The son of his neglected slave,

"Nay, start not, ’twas the term he gave,"May show, though little apt to vaunt, 365" V heart his wonts nor deeds can daunt.

( His son , indeed! —■ yet, thanks to thee,

" Perchance l am , at least shall be ;

" But let our plighted secret vow

"Be only known to us as now. 370

" I know the wretch who dares demaud