Page:The Corsair (Byron).djvu/87

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.
THE CORSAIR.
73

But deeply feels a single cry would shame,
To valour's praise thy last and dearest claim;
The life thou leav'st below—denied above
By kind monopolists of heavenly love,
And more than doubtful paradise—thy heaven
Of earthly hope—thy loved one from thee riven.
Such were the thoughts that outlaw must sustain,
And govern pangs surpassing mortal pain:
And those sustain'd he—boots it well or ill?
Since not to sink beneath, is something still!1410


VII.

The first day pass'd—he saw not her—Gulnare—
The second—third—and still she came not there;
But what her words avouch'd, her charms had done,
Or else he had not seen another sun.
The fourth day roll'd along—and with the night
Came storm and darkness in their mingling might:
Oh! how he listen'd to the rushing deep,
That ne'er till now so broke upon his sleep;
And his wild spirit wilder wishes sent,

Roused by the roar of his own element!1420