"Zuleika—to thy tower's retreat

Betake thee—Giaffir I can greet:

And now with him I fain must prate

Of firmans, imposts, levies, state.

There's fearful news from Danube's banks,

Our Vizier nobly thins his ranks

For which the Giaour may give him thanks!

Our Sultan hath a shorter way460

Such costly triumph to repay.

But, mark me, when the twilight drum

Hath warned the troops to food and sleep,

Unto thy cell with Selim come;

Then softly from the Haram creep

Where we may wander by the deep:

Our garden battlements are steep;

Nor these will rash intruder climb

To list our words, or stint our time;

And if he doth, I want not steel470

Which some have felt, and more may feel.

Then shalt thou learn of Selim more

Than thou hast heard or thought before:

Trust me, Zuleika—fear not me!

Thou know'st I hold a Haram key."

"Fear thee, my Selim! ne'er till now

Did words like this——"

"Delay not thou;[gd]

I keep the key—and Haroun's guard

Have some, and hope of more reward.

To-night, Zuleika, thou shalt hear480

My tale, my purpose, and my fear:

I am not, love! what I appear."