His blade is bared,—in him there is an air

As deep, but far too tranquil for despair; 990

A something of indifference more than then

Becomes the bravest, if they feel for men—

He turned his eye on Kaled, ever near,

And still too faithful to betray one fear;

Perchance 'twas but the moon's dim twilight threw

Along his aspect an unwonted hue

Of mournful paleness, whose deep tint expressed

The truth, and not the terror of his breast.

This Lara marked, and laid his hand on his:

It trembled not in such an hour as this; 1000

His lip was silent, scarcely beat his heart,

His eye alone proclaimed, "We will not part!

Thy band may perish, or thy friends may flee,

Farewell to Life—but not Adieu to thee!"

The word hath passed his lips, and onward driven,

Pours the linked band through ranks asunder riven:

Well has each steed obeyed the arméd heel,

And flash the scimitars, and rings the steel;

Outnumbered, not outbraved, they still oppose

Despair to daring, and a front to foes; 1010

And blood is mingled with the dashing stream,

Which runs all redly till the morning beam.[ks]