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44 “And when the Cossack maid beheld “My heavy eyes at length unseal’d, “She smiled—and I essay’d to speak, “But fail’d—and she approach’d, and made “With lip and finger signs that said, “I must not strive as yet to break “The silence, till my strength should be “Enough to leave my accents free; “And then her hand on mine she laid, “And smooth’d the pillow for my head, “And stole along on tiptoe tread, “And gently oped the door, and spake “In whispers—ne’er was voice so sweet! “Even music follow’d her light feet;— “But those she call’d were not awake, “And she went forth; but, ere she pass’d, “Another look on me she cast, “Another sign she made, to say, “That I had nought to fear, that all “Were near, at my command or call, “And she would not delay “Her due return:—while she was gone, “Methought I felt too much alone.