With cautious reverence from the outer gate

Slow stalks the slave, whose office there to wait,

Bows his bent head—his hand salutes the floor,

Ere yet his tongue the trusted tidings bore:

"A captive Dervise, from the Pirate's nest

Escaped, is here—himself would tell the rest."[211]

He took the sign from Seyd's assenting eye,

And led the holy man in silence nigh.

His arms were folded on his dark-green vest,

His step was feeble, and his look deprest; 660

Yet worn he seemed of hardship more than years,

And pale his cheek with penance, not from fears.

Vowed to his God—his sable locks he wore,

And these his lofty cap rose proudly o'er:

Around his form his loose long robe was thrown,

And wrapt a breast bestowed on heaven alone;

Submissive, yet with self-possession manned,

He calmly met the curious eyes that scanned;

And question of his coming fain would seek,

Before the Pacha's will allowed to speak. 670