"Son of a slave"—the Pacha said—

"From unbelieving mother bred,

Vain were a father's hope to see

Aught that beseems a man in thee.

Thou, when thine arm should bend the bow,

And hurl the dart, and curb the steed,

Thou, Greek in soul if not in creed,

Must pore where babbling waters flow,[fe]

And watch unfolding roses blow.

Would that yon Orb, whose matin glow90

Thy listless eyes so much admire,

Would lend thee something of his fire!

Thou, who woulds't see this battlement

By Christian cannon piecemeal rent;

Nay, tamely view old Stambol's wall

Before the dogs of Moscow fall,

Nor strike one stroke for life and death

Against the curs of Nazareth!

Go—let thy less than woman's hand

Assume the distaff—not the brand.100

But, Haroun!—to my daughter speed:

And hark—of thine own head take heed—

If thus Zuleika oft takes wing—

Thou see'st yon bow—it hath a string!"