For here was seized his dame of peerless charms,

  (How often human judgment wanders wide)!

  Whom in long warfare he had kept from harms,

  From western climes to eastern shores her guide

  In his own land, 'mid friends and kindred arms,

  Now without contest severed from his side.

  Fearing the mischief kindled by her eyes,

  From him the prudent emperor reft the prize.