Page:The Corsair (Byron).djvu/37

Rh "We'll turn the tale, by Ariosto told,

"Of fair Olympia lov'd and left of old.1

"Why—thou wert worse than he who broke his vow

"To that lost damsel, shouldst thou leave me now;

"Or even that traitor chief—I've seen thee smile,

"When the clear sky showed Ariadne's Isle,

"Which I have pointed from these cliffs the while:

"And thus—half sportive—half in fear—I said,

"Lest Time should raise that doubt to more than dread,

"Thus Conrad, too, will quit me for the main:

"And he deceiv'd me—for—he came again!"

"Again—again—and oft again—my love!

"If there be life below, and hope above,

"He will return—but now—the moments bring

"The time of parting with redoubled wing:

"The why—the where—what boots it now to tell?

"Since all must end in that wild word—farewell!

"Yet would I fain—did time allow—disclose—

"Fear not—these are no formidable foes;

"And here shall watch a more than wonted guard,

"For sudden siege and long defence prepar'd: