Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 3.djvu/284

252 Around his form his loose long robe was thrown,

And wrapt a breast bestowed on heaven alone;

Submissive, yet with self-possession manned,

He calmly met the curious eyes that scanned;

And question of his coming fain would seek,

Before the Pacha's will allowed to speak.

IV.

"Whence com'st thou, Dervise?"

"From the Outlaw's den

A fugitive—"

"Thy capture where and when?"

"From Scalanova's port to Scio's isle.

The Saick was bound; but Allah did not smile

Upon our course—the Moslem merchant's gains

The Rovers won; our limbs have worn their chains.

I had no death to fear, nor wealth to boast,

Beyond the wandering freedom which I lost;

At length a fisher's humble boat by night

Afforded hope, and offered chance of flight;

I seized the hour, and find my safety here—

With thee—most mighty Pacha! who can fear?"

"How speed the outlaws? stand they well prepared,

Their plundered wealth, and robber's rock, to guard?

Dream they of this our preparation, doomed

To view with fire their scorpion nest consumed?"

"Pacha! the fettered captive's mourning eye,

That weeps for flight, but ill can play the spy;

I only heard the reckless waters roar,

Those waves that would not bear me from the shore;