Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 5.djvu/674

634 When Eloïsa's form was lowered beneath

Their nuptial vault, his arms outstretched, and pressed

The kindling ashes to his kindled breast.

The waves without sang round their couch, their roar

As much unheeded as if life were o'er;

Within, their hearts made all their harmony,

Love's broken murmur and more broken sigh.

X.

And they, the cause and sharers of the shock

Which left them exiles of the hollow rock,

Where were they? O'er the sea for life they plied,

To seek from Heaven the shelter men denied.

Another course had been their choice—but where?

The wave which bore them still their foes would bear,

Who, disappointed of their former chase,

In search of Christian now renewed their race.

Eager with anger, their strong arms made way,

Like vultures baffled of their previous prey.

They gained upon them, all whose safety lay

In some bleak crag or deeply-hidden bay:

No further chance or choice remained; and right

For the first further rock which met their sight

They steered, to take their latest view of land,

And yield as victims, or die sword in hand;

Dismissed the natives and their shallop, who

Would still have battled for that scanty crew;

But Christian bade them seek their shore again,

Nor add a sacrifice which were in vain;

For what were simple bow and savage spear

Against the arms which must be wielded here?