Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 3.djvu/307

CANTO III.] Then seek Anselmo's cavern, to report

The tale too tedious—when the triumph short.

IV.

In that wild council words waxed warm and strange,

With thoughts of ransom, rescue, and revenge;

All, save repose or flight: still lingering there

Breathed Conrad's spirit, and forbade despair;

Whate'er his fate—the breasts he formed and led

Will save him living, or appease him dead.

Woe to his foes! there yet survive a few,

Whose deeds are daring, as their hearts are true.

V.

Within the Haram's secret chamber sate

Stem Seyd, still pondering o'er his Captive's fate;

His thoughts on love and hate alternate dwell,

Now with Gulnare, and now in Conrad's cell;

Here at his feet the lovely slave reclined

Surveys his brow—would soothe his gloom of mind;

While many an anxious glance her large dark eye

Sends in its idle search for sympathy,

His only bends in seeming o'er his beads,

But inly views his victim as he bleeds.