They reached at length a grotto, hewn

By nature, but enlarged by art,

Where oft her lute she wont to tune,

And oft her Koran conned apart;

And oft in youthful reverie

She dreamed what Paradise might be:

Where Woman's parted soul shall go

Her Prophet had disdained to show;[gf] [161]

But Selim's mansion was secure, 590

Nor deemed she, could he long endure

His bower in other worlds of bliss

Without her, most beloved in this!

Oh! who so dear with him could dwell?

What Houri soothe him half so well?