High in his hall reclines the turbaned Seyd;

Around—the bearded chiefs he came to lead.

Removed the banquet, and the last pilaff—

Forbidden draughts, 'tis said, he dared to quaff,

Though to the rest the sober berry's juice[208]

The slaves bear round for rigid Moslems' use; 640

The long chibouque's[209] dissolving cloud supply,

While dance the Almas[210] to wild minstrelsy.

The rising morn will view the chiefs embark;

But waves are somewhat treacherous in the dark:

And revellers may more securely sleep

On silken couch than o'er the rugged deep:

Feast there who can—nor combat till they must,

And less to conquest than to Korans trust;

And yet the numbers crowded in his host

Might warrant more than even the Pacha's boast. 650