Читать книгу Ismael; an oriental tale. With other poems онлайн

12 страница из 20

‘Yes, Selyma, my first, my only love,

‘I still am faithful as thy kindred dove.

‘The Chieftain Ismael, heir to Persia’s throne, ‘Comes, humble Ismael’s vows of love to own; ‘To lead thee forth, the fairest of the fair, ‘My love, my glory, and my realms to share.160 ‘To morrow’s sun shall see my banners wave ‘O’er Persia’s city, and Alvante’s grave. ‘And thronging crowds shall hail my lovely bride, ‘Rich Iran’s princess, and high Ismael’s pride!’

“Ah, Ismael, happier far my lot would be,

“To range our earlier scenes of love with thee!

“How would thine humble Selyma repine,

“That loathed state should keep her soul from thine.

“But why should selfish love attempt to mar

“The bright refulgence of thine happier star!170

“Whatever pleases Ismael, must be,

“O soul of Selyma, most dear to thee!”

Thus, in sweet converse, the fast-flying hours

Were, like some bridegroom’s path, o’erstrew’d with flow’rs.

At length remember’d Ismael, lest the morn

Should show his absence, he must now return.