Page:Tales and Historic Scenes.pdf/77

Rh

Unheard, or heard in vain, is Zayda's cry; Fruitless her prayer, unmark'd her agony. But as his foremost foes their weapons bend Against the life he seeks not to defend, Wildly she darts between—each feeling past, Save strong affection, which prevails at last. Oh! not in vain its daring—for the blow Aim'd at his heart hath bade her life-blood flow; And she hath sunk a martyr on the breast, Where, in that hour, her head may calmly rest, For he is saved:—behold the Zegri band, Pale with dismay and grief, around her stand; While, every thought of hate and vengeance o'er, They weep for her who soon shall weep no more. She, she alone is calm:—a fading smile, Like sunset, passes o'er her cheek the while; And in her eye, ere yet it closes, dwell Those last faint rays, the parting soul's farewell.

"Now is the conflict past, and I have proved How well, how deeply, thou hast been beloved! Yes! in an hour like this 'twere vain to hide The heart so long and so severely tried: