THE BRIDE OF ABYDOS. CANTO II. I. THE winds are high on Helle's wave, 485 The young, the beautiful, the brave, 490 His eye but saw that light of love, "Ye waves, divide not lovers long!" May nerve young hearts to prove as true. II. The winds are high, and Helle's tide That field with blood bedewed in vain, All The tombs, sole relics of his reign, save immortal dreams that could beguile The blind old man of Scio's rocky isle! 505 510 III. Oh! yet for there my steps have been; These feet have pressed the sacred shore, These limbs that buoyant wave hath borne Minstrel! with thee to muse, to mourn, To trace again those fields of yore, Believing every hillock green Contains no fabled hero's ashes, 515 And that around the undoubted scene Thine own "broad Hellespont" 25 still dashes, Be long my lot! and cold were he Who there could gaze denying thee! IV. The night hath closed on Helle's stream, That moon, which shone on his high theme: But conscious shepherds bless it still. Within Without -- thy dwelling-place how narrow! can only strangers breathe The name of him that was beneath: Dust long outlasts the storied stone; But Thou thy very dust is gone! V. Late, late to night will Dian cheer The swain, and chase the boatman's fear; 520 525 530 535 Till then -no beacon on the cliff 540 May shape the course of struggling skiff; The only lamp of this lone hour Is glimmering in Zuleika's tower. Yes! there is light in that lone chamber, 95 Are thrown the fragrant beads of amber, 545 550 Iler mother's sainted amulet, 26 Whereon engraved the Koorsee text, Could smooth this life, and win the next; And by her Comboloio 7 lies 555 A Koran of illumined dyes;' And many a bright emblazoned rhyme By Persian scribes redeemed from time; 560 And round her lamp of fretted gold Bloom flowers in urns of China's mould; The richest work of Iran's loom, And Sheeraz' tribute of perfume; All that can eye or sense delight 565 Are gathered in that gorgeous room: She, of this Peri cell the sprite, What doth she hence, and on so rude a night? VI. Wrapt in the darkest sable vest, Which none save noblest Moslem wear With cautious steps the thicket threading, The maid pursued her silent guide; VII. They reached at length a grotto, hewn 570 575 580 585 And oft her Koran conned apart; And oft in youthful reverie |