"But, Selim, thou must answer why "Yet what thou mean'st by 'arms' and 'friends,' Beyond my weaker sense extends. 66 "I meant that Giaffir should have heard "What other hath Zuleika seen "These cherish'd thoughts with life begun, "At such, "No! happier made by that decree! "He left me all in leaving thee. "Deep were my anguish, thus compell'd 66 To wed with one I ne'er beheld: "This wherefore should I not reveal? "Why wilt thou urge me to conceal? "I know the Pacha's haughty mood "And such it feels while lurking here; "Oh, Selim! tell me yet in time, "Nor leave me thus to thoughts of fear. "Ah! yonder see the Tchocadar, (22) "My father leaves the mimic war; "I tremble now to meet his eye"Say, Selim, canst thou tell me why?" XIV. "Zuleika to thy tower's retreat "Betake thee-Giaffir I can greet: "And now with him I fain must prate "Of firmans, imposts, levies, state. "There's fearful news from Danube's banks, "Our Vizier nobly thins his ranks, "For which the Giaour may give him thanks! "Our Sultan hath a shorter way "Such costly triumph to repay. "But, mark me, when the twilight drum "Hath warn'd the troops to food and sleep, "Unto thy cell will Selim come : "Then softly from the Haram creep "Our garden-battlements are steep; "Nor these will rash intruder climb "To list our words, or stint our time; "And if he doth, I want not steel "Which some have felt, and more may feel. "Then shalt thou learn of Selim more "Than thou hast heard or thought before: "Trust me, Zuleika-fear not me! "Thou know'st I hold a Haram key." "Fear thee, my Selim! ne'er till now "Did word like this-" "Delay not thou; "I keep the key-and Haroun's guard THE BRIDE OF ABYDOS. CANTO II. I. THE winds are high on Helle's wave, young, the beautiful, the brave, |