Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 3.djvu/261

CANTO I.] II.

Such were the notes that from the Pirate's isle

Around the kindling watch-fire rang the while:

Such were the sounds that thrilled the rocks along,

And unto ears as rugged seemed a song!

In scattered groups upon the golden sand,

They game—carouse—converse—or whet the brand;

Select the arms—to each his blade assign,

And careless eye the blood that dims its shine;

Repair the boat, replace the helm or oar,

While others straggling muse along the shore;

For the wild bird the busy springes set,

Or spread beneath the sun the dripping net:

Gaze where some distant sail a speck supplies,

With all the thirsting eye of Enterprise;

Tell o'er the tales of many a night of toil,

And marvel where they next shall seize a spoil:

No matter where—their chief's allotment this;

Theirs to believe no prey nor plan amiss.

But who that ? his name on every shore

Is famed and feared—they ask and know no more.

With these he mingles not but to command;

Few are his words, but keen his eye and hand.

Ne'er seasons he with mirth their jovial mess,

But they forgive his silence for success.

Ne'er for his lip the purpling cup they fill,

That goblet passes him untasted still—

And for his fare—the rudest of his crew

Would that, in turn, have passed untasted too;

Earth's coarsest bread, the garden's homeliest roots,

And scarce the summer luxury of fruits,

His short repast in humbleness supply

With all a hermit's board would scarce deny.