Page:The Corsair (Byron).djvu/84

 "His capture could!—and shall I then resign

"One day to him—the wretch already mine?

"Release my foe!—at whose remonstrance?—thine!

"Fair suitor!—to thy virtuous gratitude,

"That thus repays this Giaour's relenting mood,

"Which thee and thine alone of all could spare,

"No doubt—regardless if the prize were fair,

"My thanks and praise alike are due—now hear!

"I have a counsel for thy gentler ear:

"I do mistrust thee, woman! and each word

"Of thine stamps truth on all Suspicion heard.

"Borne in his arms through fire from yon Serai—

"Say, wert thou lingering there with him to fly?

"Thou need'st not answer—thy confession speaks,

"Already reddening on thy guilty cheeks;

"Then, lovely dame, bethink thee! and beware:

"'Tis not his life alone may claim such care!

"Another word and—nay—I need no more.

"Accursed was the moment when he bore

"Thee from the flames, which better far—but—no—

"I then had mourn'd thee with a lover's woe—

"Now 'tis thy lord that warns—deceitful thing!

"Know'st thou that I can clip thy wanton wing?