The Count and Laura found their boat at last,

And homeward floated o'er the silent tide,

Discussing all the dances gone and past;

The dancers and their dresses, too, beside;

Some little scandals eke; but all aghast

(As to their palace-stairs the rowers glide)

Sate Laura by the side of her adorer,[bq]

When lo! the Mussulman was there before her!