Page:The Corsair (Byron).djvu/93

Rh "Seyd is mine enemy: had swept my band

"From earth with ruthless but with open hand,

"And therefore came I, in my bark of war,

"To smite the smiter with the scimitar;

"Such is my weapon—not the secret knife—

"Who spares a woman's seeks not slumber's life—

"Thine saved I gladly, Lady, not for this—

"Let me not deem that mercy shewn amiss.

"Now fare thee well—more peace be with thy breast!

"Night wears apace—my last of earthly rest!"

"Rest! Rest! by sunrise must thy sinews shake,

"And thy limbs writhe around the ready stake.

"I heard the order—saw—I will not see—

"If thou wilt perish, I will fall with thee.

"My life—my love—my hatred—all below

"Are on this cast—Corsair! 'tis but a blow!

"Without it flight were idle—how evade

"His sure pursuit? my wrongs too unrepaid,

"My youth disgraced—the long—long wasted years,

"One blow shall cancel with our future fears;

"But since the dagger suits thee less than brand,

"I'll try the firmness of a female hand—