Dauntless he stood—"'Tis come—soon past—

One kiss, Zuleika—'tis my last:

But yet my band not far from shore

May hear this signal, see the flash;

Yet now too few—the attempt were rash:

No matter—yet one effort more."1000

Forth to the cavern mouth he stept;

His pistol's echo rang on high,

Zuleika started not, nor wept,

Despair benumbed her breast and eye!—

"They hear me not, or if they ply

Their oars,'tis but to see me die;

That sound hath drawn my foes more nigh.

Then forth my father's scimitar,

Thou ne'er hast seen less equal war!

Farewell, Zuleika!—Sweet! retire:1010

Yet stay within—here linger safe,

At thee his rage will only chafe.

Stir not—lest even to thee perchance

Some erring blade or ball should glance.

Fear'st them for him?—may I expire

If in this strife I seek thy sire!

No—though by him that poison poured;

No—though again he call me coward!

But tamely shall I meet their steel?

No—as each crest save his may feel!"1020