"While baffled—weakened by this fatal fray—
"Watch'd—followed—he were then an easier prey;
"But once cut off—the remnant of his band
"Embark their wealth, and seek a safer strand."
"Gulnare!—if for each drop of blood a gem1320
"Were offered rich as Stamboul's diadem;
"If for each hair of his a massy mine
"Of virgin ore should supplicating shine;
"If all our Arab tales divulge or dream
"Of wealth were here—that gold should not redeem!
"It had not now redeem'd a single hour—
"But that I know him fetter'd, in my power;
"And, thirsting for revenge, I ponder still
"On pangs that longest rack—and latest kill.
"Nay, Seyd!—I seek not to restrain thy rage,1330
"Too justly moved for mercy to assuage;
"My thoughts were only to secure for thee
"His riches—thus released, he were not free:
"Disabled, shorn of half his might and band,
"His capture could but wait thy first command."
