led s "^ "a sb6 ILDERIM SYRIAN TALE. IN FOUR CANTOS. PRINTED FOR JOHN MURRAY, ALBEflLVRLE STREET. 1816. ^53 ADVERTISEMENT. The following Poem forms part of a Work, the plan of which was first conceived, and partly executed, in the Countries which it attempts to describe ; during the course of a journey, which was performed in the years 1810—11. 581 I L D E R I M. CANTO I. I L D E R I M. CANTO I. 1. The pale beam, stealing through the matted trees, Kist Balbec's walls and stern Abdallagh's tower; Cool through Abdallagh's garden stream'd the breeze, Wak'ning each folded leaf and sleeping flower: Bright was the scene, and calm the soothing hour: Heav'n still its blessings shed on earth beneath, In silent dews that gemm'd the verdant bower; Earth pour'd her thanks in sweets from ev'ry wreath, Freshness was in the air, and life in every breath. B 2 4 ILDERIM. Canto I. 2. There, in that garden, eastern art display'd 10 All that enchants beneath the burning sky ; All that belongs to coolness or to shade ; Hues that enliven, or relieve the eye Dazzled with light : rich odours that supply The native sweets that loaded zephyrs bear ; 15 Sounds that refresh with cooling melody. Yet, matchless Nature, in that scene so fair,' Thine were the choicest gifts, though art arrang'd them there. 3. The Ruler's palace on the North arose : Long pointed arches, (for, to Arab lore 20 Its splendors imitative Europe owes,) There, with high-gadding jasmine mantled o'er, Shadovv'd the halls, and stretch 'd a skreen before : Whilst, at the western end, an arch'd alcove (With roof of fretted gold and varied floor) 25 Invited: thence the wandering eye might rove O'er all the glittering scene — the buildings and the grove. Canto I. ILDERIM. 4. Fronting that arch a marble pavement spread Its snowy surface, border'd on each side With streams, that water'd an enamell'd bed : 30 A fountain in the midst; the spiral tide, Aloft, each many-colour'd gem belyed ; And, falling, waken'd music's liquid sound. The rest was verdure, stretching far and wide; Groves that o'erarch'd, or scatter'd sweets around; 35 Flowers that enrich'd the air, or deck'd the painted ground. 5. The branching walnut, prodigal of green, The feather'd palm, the cypress dark and old, Tower'd on high, with myrtle woods between ; Or bowers of citron, that at once unfold 40 Their flowers of silver and their fruit of gold : Aloft its giant leaf banana spread. Waving in air, like Mecca's flag unroll'd. Or purple clusters woo'd from overhead. Or yellow cassia bloom'd, and heav'nly incense shed. 45 ILDERIM. Canto I. 6. Sweet choice was there of shaded walk or bower; And all amongst, in mazy error, ran Clear sparkling rills, that freshen'd ev'ry flower. Bright, magic scenes, unlike the haunts of man! The Moslem well might think he then began 50 Th' eternal round who enter'd that domain ; For all describ'd in Heav'n's celestial plan Stood blooming within reach, and not in vain He might appear to wish for all he hopes to gain. 7. Nor were there wanting, to complete the heav'n, 55 Fair houri forms ; for through the leafy shade Two peerless maids, like those to men forgiven, Promis'd in Koran verse, together stray'd; The one, all gladness, radiant, bright array'd, Rivall'd the opening rose, the garden's queen ; 60 Splendid of hue, and gorgeously display'd: The other, lovely, but of pensive mien, More like the lily show'd, of beauty more serene. Canto I. ILDERIM. 8. The last appear 'd to have convers'd with grief; For as the bright-ey'd maiden frolick'd by, G5 Plucking the dewy bud or scented leaf, The other traced her path with thoughtful eye, But often stopt, and mus'd, and seem'd to sigh. The garb she wore implied an humble state. But modest charms and native dignity 70 Burst through that envious veil, accusing fate, That overlooks the good, and makes th' aspiring great. 9. The twain past on, and soon repos'd beneath The near alcove. The bright-ey'd Azza there, (Azza, Abdallagh's daughter,) formed a wreath 7o For her, the chosen of her heart, to wear; And, as she crown'd Elmyra's flowing hair, " Ah ! canst thou love me?" cried the gentle maid; " Me, sprung from him who did not know to spare; " Me, mistress here, where others should have sway'd, 80 " Deck'd in the glittering spoils of those a sire betray *d ?" ILDERIM. Canto I* 10. " Oh, daughter! little kindred with thy kind!" Return'd the slave, and brush'd a tear away. " Was thine the fault if stern Abdallagh's mind " Contemn'd the right; if, victor in the fray, 85 " He seiz'd this city, made the realm his prey, " And laid the gray-hair*d rightful Emir low ? " Or thine the fault of that succeeding day, " When savage caution gave the sudden blow, " And not a male escap'd thy father deem'd his foe ?" 90 11. " Child of his brother, who was ruler here, " Of him who fell when carnage gave the sign," (Said Azza, sadden'd by that falling tear,) " Poor, ruin'd remnant of a princely line, " Whose injur'd race was trod to earth by mine ! 95 " Born to the station which thou see'st me fill : " No, thou canst ne'er forgive — " " What words are " thine?" Elmyra cried ; — " my unconsenting will " Disowns the show of grief — for I am grateful still. Canto L ILDERIM. , g 12. " Oil ! on the day that stamp'd an orphan's doom, 100 " Then, when the harem was rever'd no more, " When we, sad mourners o'er the glutted tomb, " Seiz'd by the hands that in our kindred gore " Were reeking yet : we, but an hour before, " The great, the happy, to th' assassin train 105 " Consign'd as stipend, and deliver'd o'er, " What brought Elmyra then to life again ? " Oh ! what but Azza's prayer, that did not plead in vain ? 13. " Didst thou not see me from thy lattic'd hall " Unveil'd, and fainting at the palace gate ; 1 10 " Dragg'd there, with those the partners of my fall, " The newly widow'd and the desolate, " Torn from our proud abodes and high estate ? " Yes! Azza saw me, and dispatch'd a slave; " Obtain'd and snatch'd me from impending fate. 1 15 " Alas ! for ye, whom Azza could not save ; " Oh ! are ye wretched still, or have ye won the grave i"' 10 ILDERIM. Canto I. 14. " I pray'd for death, the helpmate of despair, " But Azza struggled with Elmyra's woe " Till she was taught to live — and Azza's care 120 " Has since so hovered round me where I go, " That I have learnt to bear my path below. " For Azza's sake I must not wish to die, " The poor return Elmyra can bestow ; " Thou art my sole support beneath the sky. 125 " Oh ! if I lov'd thee not, the spring of joy were dry." " Enough, kind maid I I read thy gen'rous breast, " Where all is noble, as becomes thy race ; " Oh ! could the seal of peace be there imprest! " But what can brighten that unalter'd face! 130 " Here, next to Azza's is Elmyra's place : " Two years are past that should have brought repose ; " Yet time beguiles thee not from grief's embrace, " And in thy cup affection vainly throws " A sweet, a balmy drop; the bitter still o'erflows. 135 Canto I. ILDERIM- 1 1 16. " Gentle art thou, and gentleness is won " Youthful, and grief is foiled by youth alone; '' Ah! wherefore then all comfort wilt thou shun, " And wh}' does Azza hear thy deepen'd moan ? " Some secret woe, to Azza still unknown." — 140 She stopt — for motionless before her stood Elmyra, pale, and stiffen'd into stone: A sudden chilness seemed to freeze her blood. The brimful eyes refus'd to pour their kindly flood. IT. She seized that passive hand with trembling haste, 145 Silent, and waited with beseeching eyes Till grief relax'd in tears — " Oh! yield at last " The serpent thought that in thy bosom lies — " Share it with me — dismiss the vain disguise." — Tow'rds Heaven her snowy arms Elmyra tost, 150 And fix'd a look of wildness on the skies. Then murmur'd forth — " Oh ! hopes for ever crost! " Azza! Elmyra lov'd — and he she lov'd, is lost! 12 ILDERIM. Canto I. 18. " Azza ! thou ne'er hast lov'd, and dost not know" — She stopt — a voice resounded on her ear ^55 That closed at once the story of her woe : *' Not now, we must not meet :" with speed of fear Elmyra fled, Abdallagh's self was near. Oft as they met, she could not now sustain, She could not now repress the falling tear, l60 Forget the recent scene, be calm again. Behold the man of blood, and all her soul restrain. 19. He came, but mark'd not or Elmyra's flight. Or Azza's pallid look and troubled air, Nor smiling met his child, his sole delight; l65 Nor in that garden seem'd releas'd from eare The toils to which dominion still is heir. Silent he mov'd, and on his forehead wore A scowl of anger, such as demons wear ; His very face reveal'd his deeds of yore, 170 He look'd inur'd to crime, and seem'd to purpose more. Canto I. ILDERIM. 13 20. How troubled, then, was gentle Azza's mind, Tbat, newly waken'd, was careering fast : O'er crimes by that approaching sire design'd : Her soul was turn'd upon the guilty past; 175 Nor with the present promise less aghast, She felt the streams of Nature's current freeze :, Around his neck her arms she long'd to cast. But horror check'd ; she long'd to clasp his knees, But only stood and shook, like myrtle in the breeze. 180 21. *' Thou treniblest, Azza ! what hast thou to fear? " Dear as thou art, and ever must remain : " But there are those who can molest me here. " What profits it that undisturb'd I reign, " That, with the conquer'd sire, the son was slain, 185 " That none survive to clamour forth their right? " What profits this, if o'er the ravag'd plain " A base-born robber, aided by the night, " Can spread destruction round, and set at nought my " might?" 14 ILDERIM. Canto I. 23. " What means my father?" — " For a circling year 190 " I scorn'd the young marauder's petty band, " Nor deem'd him worthy of Abdallagh's spear ; " And now, by Heav'n! his unresisted hand, " His name of Ilderim, appalls the land ! " Strange that he seems audacious war to wage 195 " Chiefly with me; the outlaw gives command " To spare the peasant's humble heritage, " But sweeps Abdallagh's wealth, and mocks Abdallagh's " rage. 23. " Last night the band descended from the wood ; " They came where, guarded, in the city's view, 200 " My choicest coursers cropt the grassy food ; " They smote, they seiz'd ; and, as away they flew, " Their leader thus addrest the recreant crew " Who lost, yet liv'd ; * Of us who wrought the deed, " Go tell your lawless chief, and tell him too, 205 " The time may come when Ilderim shall lead " Back to his proper stall Abdallagh's favourite steed.' Canto . ILDERIM. 15 24. " By Allagh ! he shall rue the word he said ! " The robber's den is pervious to gold ; " i\ gainst this eve a pit-fall shall be laid 230 " To catch these wolves that break into my fold : " They think the tenure slight by which I hold ; " A stranger lord, with but a victor's claim: " They think me weak, and this has made them " bold : " But ere to-morrow tinge the vault with flame, 215 " They shall be better taught — howe'er my title came." ILDERIM. CANTO II. I L D E R I M- CANTO II. 1. The plain was lost in shade — a moment yet, Oh Libanus ! on steeps of giant size, The sun delay'd — a moment, ere he set, Crimson'd the snow-clad heights, and ting'd the skies With streaks of roseate light and purple dyes, 221 (Such tints as western eyes in vain desire,) Then plung'd and disappear'd— -at once arise Heav'n's myriad lamps, and gem the vault with fire, So bright, that scarcely mourn'd the beams of day retire. c 2 20 ILDERIM. Canto IL 2. On a tall cliiF, the mountain's rugged crest, 226 That overhung the vale and crown'd the height, Stood one who watch'd that sun withdraw to rest; No pleasure took he in the glorious sight. But sternly gaz'd, and only wanted night. 230 His dark eye follow'd the receding ray, Then dimly sparkled with a fierce delight ; Despair, I ween, must o'er that bosom sway. Which ovvn'd not Nature's charms, and chid the light of day. Sternly he smil'd, and o'er the darken'd land, 235 Where shadowy forms the distant town betray 'd. One glance he cast, high-rais'd his threat'ning hand. And half unsheath'd his desolating blade : 'Twas Ilderim, for deeds of death array'd. Beside him Mirza stood, his comrade true; 240 Apart from men they waited for the shade. That from their hold the nightly rovers drew : Tull well the ravag'd plain those bold assailants knew. Canto II. ILDERIM. 21 4. " The fell Usurper — does he bend his brow," Cried Mirza, " grieving for his fav'rite steed ? 24j " He little deems what fate is working now, " What future storms these upper regions breed ; " The mountain band has friends prepar'd at need ; " This secret promise of our great ally." — " Yes, he is sworn who never will recede ; ^50 " Yes, Mirza, now this troubled heart beats high, " Now Ilderim may hope to ruin, and to die." 5. Again he look'd : — " Dear city ! art thou then " So changed, so desolate, and brought so low, " The tyrant's fortress and the dragon's den ? ^2.55 " But we will reach him still ; — the hidden foe " He feels already ; — time perchance may show " What arm — false tyrant, reckless of thy doom, " In vain thou bad'st the purple torrent flow, " Vengeance is still alive — through shade and gloom 260 " The fiery bolt shall strike, the loos'd destroyer come. ILDERIM. Canto II. 6. " He widow'd them — he made them fatherless : — " Oh ! where is ? Allagh grant that she be dead, " Cold in the grave, and rescued from distress : " But this avenging steel shall yet be red ; 265 " His life-blood pay for every tear she shed ; " His dying groan" — again he fix'd his eyes Long on the vale with mute expression, dread. " Mirza, away ! these dark and friendly skies " Dismiss us to our post — away — to enterprise!" 270 7. They left the cliff, and sought th' expecting band. Beneath, amongst the rocks, where darkly frown'd The cavern'd granite, scoop'd by Nature's hand, Where pine and cedar stretch'd a skreen around. And mountain stream and mountain turf was found, The band await: the watch-fires bickering light, 276 That ting'd with red the figures and the ground, Reveal'd th' obscurely moving troop to sight. But left the craggy piles in shades of deeper night. Canto II. ILDERIM. 23 8. The spear-bound steeds that ready harness'd fed, 280 Neigh'd at strange feet within their forage-space : 'Tis Ilderim — he came with stately tread, And brow severe, unstain'd by sign or trace Of grief or softness, such as erst had place When only Mirza saw — but valour high, 285 And stern resolve, was stamp'd upon his face. Rule and dominion threaten'd from his eye. That aw'd the subject band, they knew not how or why. 9. " What ! are ye arm'd ? — our last essay was good : " How likes Abdallagh's stud the mountain air ? 290 " To night, ye know, his herds become our food." " Chieftain!" said Hassan — of the troopers there. One vers'd in wiles — " As with observant care " I watch'd at eve, those herds I chanc'd to view, " And saw the shepherds to new ground repair; 295 " The spot I mark'd." — " Then, Hassan, be our clue. " He has inform'd us oft, and ever has been true." 24 ILDERIM. Canto II. 10. They mounted, and were gone — their steep descent, (The sole access to that secure retreat,) Beside an yawning gulf, unguarded, went : SOO The road, a path that tried the coursers' feet, With stony steps; and oft, with rain or sleet More fearful, seem'd the nearest way to death. Firm hearts had they who nightly could repeat That threat'ning course, and hear the floods beneath 305 Thunder amidst the gloom, nor, fear-struck, hold their breath. 11, That pass o'ercome, they rode on smoother ground, 'Mid groves of pine, or copse of scented bay ; The fire-fly, darting through the shades around, Spangled the dark; from bush or verdant spray, 310 The Bulbul sung,and, oft, a silver ray Gleam'd o'er their path, and checquer'd half the wood ; Soft on the leaves the hght wind died away ; Mild was the air, and gentle. Nature's mood ; A time for lovers fit — ah! more than men of blood. 315 Canto II. ILDERIM. 25 12. Oh ! this is not a Western poet's dream, Whose fancy toilS; that night may have a charm; His land ne'er show'd a subject for his theme. Those only cHmes that suns of splendour warm, Secure from icy blight, and storm's alarm ; 520 Where not'a star but sheds peculiar light, And dews descend, nor bring the shepherd harm ; Where nature freshens in the moon-beam's sight. These only climes behold the loveliness of night. 13. o'i.o Nought reck'd the robbers of that loveliness ; At length they trod the plain, and Hassan led : — " Beyond yon rocks, within a deep recess, '' The herds are there ;" with eager hearts they sped ; Each man prepar'd, the Chieftain at their head. They past the scatter'd trees that intervene. 330 The rocks now echoed to the coursers' tread ; When sudden, from behind that craggy skreen, A cloud of horsemen rush'd, and all the plot was seen. 25 ILDERIM. Canto II. 14. Hassan had darted on to join the foe : " Traitor!" cried llderim; and, with a bound, 335 Swift as the arrow from the twanging bow, Pursues the wretch — in rain the host surround; In vain the baffled sabres seek to wound ; What power withholds the lion from his prey ? He kept his aim, o'ertook, and, as to ground 340 The trembling craven leapt, at one essay Smote off that recreant head, and fiercely turn'd away. 15. Fatal pursuit ! the Chieftain turn'd to find A mass of foes, that farther path denied ; A wall, that parted from his troop behind : 345 Alone he charg'd, and scatter'd terror wide. But fail'd those crowding squadrons to divide ; The night confus'd his search, but lent a shield : Madd'ning with rage, he rush'd from side to side ; No single arm that falchion seem'd to wield, 350 Which vainly scatter'd death, and lighten'd o'er the field. Canto II. ILDERIM. 87 16. Meanwhile the robbers wag'd unequal strife, But firmly stood, and kept the host at bay ; Each held his ground, and Mirza gave them life. They felt the shock, nor yet they yielded way, 355 But where was he, their leader and their staj' ? His absence lost, whom danger could not tame : Wild and disorder'd grew the mingled fray; Fiercer on weaken'd ranks the numbers came. In vain the band invok'd their absent Chieftain's name. 17. Then Mirza knew the ruin of the brave, 36l Searching around with unrewarded eye ; " He still may live, and Mirza still may save !" Nor more, but spurr'd his steed, and, thund'ring by, Rush'd where he saw the Chief, i\bdal]agh, nigh. 3G5 " Tyrant! from Ilderim receive thy fate!" He said, resolved that one or both should die; Resolv'd, at least, to glut the tyrant's hate With that fictitious prey, and make the storm abate. 28- ILDERIM. Canto IL 18. Headlong he struck — -Abdallagh's ready brand 37© So well to that descending steel replies, That Mirza's weapon, shiver'd from his hand, Left him unarm'd, a naked, helpless prize. Deceiv'd, Abdallagh seiz'd the sacrifice ; Seiz'd with tumultuous joy, " The dreaded; thou, 575 " Thou, Ilderim, the valiant and the wise? " Th' event has liitle answer'd to thy vow. " Traitor! whate'er thou wert, Abdallagh's captive now! 19. " Didst thou come here for death, because thy train " Destroy'd, or scatter'd, own Abdallagh's might ? 380 " Death thou shalt have, but not on battle-plain : " Within the city, justice shall requite " The felon Ilderim — break off the fight! — " Enough is done." The mountain's broken band Behold their foes retiring through the night, 385 And, unoppos'd, in mute amazement stand. Nor know the deed that brought a shipwreck'd crew to land. Canto II. . ILDERIM. 29 20. But what was passing then in Miiza's breast? The brave can dauntless rush upon the sword ; But death deferr'd is valor's sternnest test ; 390 Failure in part, and scorn, (the meed abhorr'd Of baffled worth, where tyranny is lord ;) These, too, were his — and busy mem'ry's pain. The thouglUs of ruin'd hopes, and friends deplor'd ; The fear lest all his anguish might be vain ; 395 Lest he, for whom he died, might on the field remain. 21. All this he felt, content to suffer all, So he the saviour of his friend had been ; Nor wish'd he then he could the past recall. Amidst his foes, where flash'd from every mien 400 Impatience for the morrow's bloody scene. Steadfast the victim mov'd, and seem'd at rest: Abdallagh, as he mark'd that brow serene. Awe-struck, the value of his prize confest: How perilous the soul that was not then opprest I 405 30 ILDERIM. Canto II. 22. £re long the victors reach'd the city's gate, Onward the sleep-disturbing triumph roll'd ; The Chief, dismounting, spoke the captive's fate : " Secure this robber in the deepest hold, " And let the town at break of dawn be told 410 " Their eyes shall gaze upon the man they dread ; " To-morrow's golden sun shall not be old " Or ere the caitiff pays his forfeit head, " And Ilderim become — as this vile dust I tread." 23. The morning broke — and all the city heard 415 That night's dark robe had won a crimson stain ; But sign of joy or triumph scarce appear'd. Weigh'd down to earth by fierce oppression's chain, Bewailing him, their ancient Emir, slain. That town was reckless of the mountain horde : 420 What if the storm no longer swept the plain, When tyranny's arm'd servants, and their lord, Remain'd to plunder still, and fleece them with the sword. Canto II. ILDERIM. 31 24. The morn advanc'd — within his hall of state Scheming the bloody business of the day, 425 Girt with his glitt'ring train, Abdallagh sate : Sudden, his looks bespeaking wild dismay, Amidst that train a Nubian fore'd his way; And, trembling, cast himself before the throne. " Speak, loit'ring fool! or dearly shalt thou pay!" 430 " Alas ! our mistress!" — " What of Azza?" — " Gone. " The harem holds her not, and this we know alone." 25. Fierce from his couch th' astonish'd father leapt; — ** Liar and slave! — or, if the tale be true, " Thou and the rest" — " The guard has never slept. 435 " Last night we saw her safe — nor other knew, " Till morn's return; nor in the printless dew " One step we trace — all search is imrepaid." " Ourselves will search :" — but, as the Chief withdrew. His rapid course a breathless peasant stay'd : 440 " Dread Chief! I bring thee news of her, the captive maid." 32 ILDERIM, Canto II. 26. " Captive! and whose?" — " As early morning broke " I watch'd abroad the flocks that are my care : " A horseman met me, check'd his steed, and spoke : " * Abdallagh's hind is in the hunter's snare, 445 " His milk-white hind is in the robber's lair. " These from our master to thy lord proclaim : ** He holds in chains the bribe that may repair " His loss — and, would he know our master's name, " Tell him 't was Tlderim, from whom the message came.'" 27. " What tale is this ? when coop'd in yonder tower — 451 " Go, bring the robber here — my daughter ta'en? " Snatch'd from the safeguard of her midnight bower? " The thief unseen, unheard! return'd again " By dawn from yonder fastness to the plain ? • 455 " Was I deceiv'd ? These slaves — they durst not tell " For truth the idle coinage of their brain! " What fiend is this, let loose from deepest hell, " To blast my wasted realm and beard me where I dwell ? I L D E R I M. CANTO III. ILDERIM. CANTO III. Down Balbec's vale a train of horsemen ride, 460 Amongst them one who seems on air to move: He darts along, excites his courser's pride, And eyes the groves around, the skies above. With rapture, such as souls enamour'd prove. 'Tis the freed captive, snatch'd from dungeon gloom, Light, his enjoyment; liberty, his love; 466 At once revers'd the terrors of his doom. For him each passing breeze from Eden seems to come. ILDERIM. Canto III: 2. Unsolv'd, the manner of the mystic deed Confinn'd the tale that simder'd Mirza's chain; 470 Abdallagh pays the piice of Mirza freed : In vain averse — yet led he not the train That went to win his daughter back again; Him sullen rage within his palace bound; Kage, and the ferment of a fever'd brain, 475 That heard a viewless weapon smite around, And, doubtful, sought a shield to raise against the wound. The train advanc'd; — the open plain they crost. So flatly spread its level surface wide, It seem'd a lake, with wooded isles embost; 480 Mountains its shores, that rose on every side Abrupt, as rocks o'er Ocean's flowing tide : Majestic coast! that, mixing with the light Its snow-clad summits, tames the soul of pride : What child of dust beholds that awful sight, 485 Nor bows to Nature there, and sinks before her might ? Canto III. ILDERIM. 37 4. The train advanc'd — and soon, at distance yet, Perceiv'd the progress of a mountain band, With whom the lovely prey —ere long they met, And front to front the silent squadrons stand ; 490 Compact restrain'd each ready lance and brand ; But motion swift, and haughty look, betray'd How ill the warriors could their ire command. Anon we meet— each threat'ning eye convey'd, And when we meet again, the sword shall not be stay'd. 5. They paus'd not long. — But, ah ! that short delay 496 Suffic'd the calm of Azza's breast to break: Of Mirza's act she knew — his bold essay. His life adventur'd for another's sake ; Virtues that woman's fondest praise awake. 500 Him now she saw, on whom she thought before. Beheld that force a graceful form could take, And felt that fate might home and sire restore, But own'd an object now that she could value more. 38 ILDERIM. Canto III. 6. And Mirza, with enchained attention, ey'd 505 That maid for whom Abdallagh show'd him grace. The light breeze came, and gently drew aside The veil she wore ; and, ere she could replace. His watchful eye had caught her blushing face. Then to himself: — " By Mecca's holy shrine, 510 " Behold an angel come of demon's race ! " Oh ! how could he, who won that maid divine, " So heavenly fair a prize, for e'en his friend, resign ?" 7. Brief, unobserved, the thought of either breast. And now they part — each troop receives its own. 515 The joyful robbers scale the mountain's crest; Along the vale Abdallagh's child is gone. Much had that silent maid to muse upon : But the last moment more engag'd her mind Than all the chances she had lately known : 520 The robbers' cave scarce left a trace behind, And e'en the night's alarm was given to the wind. Canto III. ILDERIM. 39 8. Anon before the rescued maiden's eyes, Beneath the steeps, the city's eastern skreen, Rais'd on their rocky pedestal, arise 525 The domes and turrets of the valley's queen, Balbec appears, amidst her groves of green. The maiden heeded not, nor heeded more, Though now she past the glory of the scene, That ruin'd pile by genii rais'd of yore, 530 Obedient to the seal their earthly master wore. 9. They reach'd the city at the evening hour : Abdallagh met his daughter at the gate. And silent led her to her rifled bower : A robber's will had rul'd his daughter's fate; 535 And joy was crush'd beneath the burning weight Of wrath and shame, that o'er his bosom reign'd. Eager to learn what Azza could relate, Long in her bower the troubled sire remain'd, And stood, with anxious heart, to hear the pastexplain'd. 40 ILDERIM. Canto III 10. The tale, it seem'd, had yielded small relief: 541 For from that chamber as the Chief withdrew, A darker cloud o'erhung his brow of grief ; And eyes of flame and lips of ashen hue, And mutter'd threats against the mountain crew, 545 Reveal'd a soul on fiery vengeance bent. His passing form had met Elmyra's view ; Who, on the sight of Azza all intent. Had watch'd with anxious eyes, and mark'd the Chief's descent. 11. A moment, and the tender twain had met ; 550 Once more enlock'd in fond but mute embrace ; For joy, too near dismay, was trembling yet. Each cheek was dew'd with sorrow's seeming trace. The present could not yet the past efface. All seem'd a dream, unreal, insecure: S55 At length the touch, the certain sight, the place, Confirm'd their minds, and made the doubtful sure. Till friendship ceas'd to fear, and felt the pleasure pure. Canto III. ILDERIM. 41 12. There was a feeling now in Azza's breast She wish'd to hide within its inmost cell ; o60 A tender, doubtful image, unexprest, That check'd her words, and taught her mind to dwell, (For all must suffer first to pity well,) Absorb'd, on lone Elmyra's blighted love ; Such force, when first the sad confession fell, 565 Compassion had not, Azza's heart to move, As now, when only bliss she might be deem'd to prove. 13. " Oh ! let us strive to feel this meeting less." (Ehnyra saw the tears of pity flow. And thought them only pleasure's keen excess.) 570 " Oh ! heav'nly contrast to a morn of woe, " Around thee thus for ever let me grow, " Nor loose my hold — lest thou be lost again. " But tell me all — and let Elmyra know " What art, what magic — we have sought in vain, 575 " Nor learn how force or fraud its end could here attain." 42 ILDERIM. Canto III. 14. From some deep dream of self-concenter'd thought, As the voice ended Azza seem'd to start; Then (inly pleas'd to hold discourse on ought. Save that the subject neares* to her heart:) 580 " How little is 't that Azza can impart! " Thou may'st remember wlien we parted last, *' All reckless then of ambush'd force or art, " Parch'd by the heat tliat sultry summer cast, " I stood to catch the breeze, that fann'd me as it past. 15. " Long time I stood, regardless of the hour, 586 " And trac'd the gaudy meteors as they flew, " And heard the crane's shrill clatter from the tower. " At length on yonder couch, that caught my view, " Rob'd as I was, my wearied limbs I threw. 590 " Unknown to grief, and unsuspecting harms, " Full soon I drank the sweet oblivious dew : " A sudden motion gave my first alarms, " I wak'd — and wak'd within — a man's — a robber's " arms. Canto III. ILDERIM. 4^ -16. " I know no more — for, overcome with dread, 595 " I swoon'd — and when again I Uv'd to fear, " Without the walls I prest a grassy bed, " The robber watching o'er: — with words of cheer " He tried to soothe — and from the fountain near " Sprinkled my brow — then hastily unbound 600 " A ready courser from the fasten'd spear, " And vaulted up, and rais'd me from the ground: " The plain was overpast — the mountains clos'd around." 17. " Mysterious deed ! Gain entrance here unseen ! " Unseen escape — nor gate, nor bar o'erthrown ! 605 ** Our lynx-ey'd guardians still have watchful been ; " Nought 'scapes their eyes — one method, one alone — " Some passage, to th}- father's self unknown, " These ancient walls may hide within their breast; ** Yet, who to him ? — there were — but they are gone — " The grave is silent — Azza ! speak the rest — 6l 1 " The dreaded Chief was this who snatch'd thee from " thy nest r" 44 ILDERIM. Canto III. 18. *' I knew not who, till on the robbers' height — " There, when at last by giddy paths we came, " Numbers pour'd forth, and made the startled night '' Resound with Ilderim — 'twas he — the same, 6\6 ^' The terror of the vale — the dreaded name." — " What man is this that darts his sudden blows, *' Rapid and fatal as the lightning's flame ? " That, like a midnight spirit, comes and goes — 620 " For whom a secret way the rocks and walls disclose — 19. " Dreaded — unfathom'd^ — yet, it seems, to thee '' His mood was gentle." — " Kind as morning's tear; " Gentle as that the stamp of high degree. " He school'd his troop, who lent attentive ear, C/do " To do me homage, more than waits me here : " Still at my side he took his guardian stand ; " Yet was his look, that overaw'd my fear, " The look of one so gifted to command, " That all subdued I felt — the humblest of his band. Canto III. ILDERIM. 45 20. " His eye was cold for all it look'd upon ; 631 " So cold, that from its glance I sunk aside : " He seem'd to gaze on woman as on stone. " Some secret grief, he struggles still to hide, " And partly hid beneath the mask of pride, 635 " Weighs on his soul ; for, as he stood, my shield, " At times he watch'd me silently, and sigh'd ; " Then paler looks and quivering lips reveal'd " A troubled storm within that scarce would be conceal'd." 21. " Mysterious still ! but wears he on his face G40 " The blazon of his savage trade defin'd ?" — " Ah ! no — he beams with each severer grace; " Nature has fix'd the stamp of noble mind " On his majestic brow — he looks design'd " To rule, extending blessings with his sway : — (34.5 " But grief has class'd him with the sterner kind; " E'en thus the sun, obscur'd his cloudy way, " Less than himself appears, and half dispenses day. 46 ILDERIM. Canto III. 22. " O'er his left brow he bears an ancient scar." — " A scar! and on his brow?" — " Does this surprise? " Warriors who fight must show the marks of war. 651 " One thing there was may bid thy wonder rise ; " From forth his breast, before my watchful eyes, " He drew a rosary, how richly fair ! " Each bead, a flawless pearl of rarest size; 655 " Strange to behold a robber use at prayer " Such beads as are esteem'd the Sultan's single share. 23. " And from the string, all glitt'ring, hung below " An amulet, with rubies studded o'er; — " He gaz'd upon it — and a groan of woe — " 660 " Or from the bleeding dead that pledge he tore, " Or it is he — that being I deplore — " Himself — and death was cheated of his prey. " Azzal those pearls — that amulet he wore — " To him might well be known each secret way; 665 " AU-righteous Allagh ! hear! nor let this hope betray .'* Canto III. ILDEKIM. 47 24. Silence, the force of Azza's wonder prov'd : At length — " What, he! — the mountain's fi^arful guest?" — " Thy words have pictured him Elmyra lov'd ; " Each mark, each mystic circumstance exprest, 670 " Agrees, betokens him — within this breast " Hope glows again — nor will 1 quench the flame — " I'll tell thee all — but grant a little rest." Breathless and pale, th' exhausted maid became. The shock that rais'd her soul had all unhing'd her frame. 25. " Forbear awhile — hereafter shalt thou speak, 676 " Let Azza guide thee to the myrtle bower, " Where the cool breeze may rest upon thy cheek — " New mysteries — the fruit of every hour — " O'erwhelm this mind, and half confound its power." Slowly they went, enwrapt in shades of night : 661 But, as they past the portal of the tower, A boding vision burst upon their sight, — Far Lebanon — all flames— a blaze on every height. 48 ILDERIM. Canto III. 26. War's lurid sign — arrested by surprise, 6S5 Trembling they stood — and mark'd, with silent fear, That dread illumination meet the skies, Seeming — extension of the starry sphere. Unknown for whom the coming storm was near, Each tender mind, by kindred spirit led, 69O Flew to the object which it held most dear : " Allagh 1 if once thy favour stood his stead, " Shall fate o'ertake him now ?" Elmyra faintly said. 27. " His friend, oh! favour too!" Elmyra heard. And started back ; but, sinking on her breast, 695 Blushing, reveal'd, the love-lorn maid appear'd. " I thought to hide — but terror has confest; " That friend I saw — Elmyra guess the rest, " Nor chide a heart too kindred with thine own." — " Oh ! dearer now, because like me opprest, 700 " Our bosoms are in tune, though sad their tone ; " Be those each other's stay, who number groan for groan. Canto III. ILDERIM. 49 28. " Oh! had serener skies — but hand in hand " We'll meet whatever storms yon clouds prepare, " And sink together, or together stand." — 705 She spoke — and fiercer grew the fiery glare, And tumult rose upon the darken'd air: Shouts from the city — larum drums resound — Nor long ere echoes from the vale declare No common host advancing o'er the ground ; 710 The voice of battle swells — the death-shot peals around. 29. Forth from the harem rush'd affrighten'd Moors — " Lady! retreat, a safer harbour win — " We come to bar the harem's massive doors; " War is without, and treason is within, 715 " All Balbec maddens with seditious din : " One they proclaim, awaken'd from the dead." Trembling, the conscious maidens hurried in : The pangs of hope, by that new fuel fed. More tried Elmyra's soul, than danger's 'whelming dread. It I L D E R I M. CANTO IV. ILDERIM. CANTO IV. 1. Dread sign, when Lebanon is crown'd with flame! 721 Then Syria knows that, arming for the fight, The warrior Druses point their levell'd aim : — Intrepid race ! who seiz'd that fortress height, Resolv'd on hberty, in power's despight: — 725 Oppression's foes ! protectors of th' opprest ! To you the wrong'd, the helpless, bend their flight. And find a home, or have their cause redrest : Ye taste of joy yourselves, and would have others blest. 54 ILDERIM. Canto IV. 2. Scheming swift vengeance on the mountain band 730 Abdallagh sate, awakenM from his dream By that bright warning to a threaten'd land. — Him did it threaten ? little did he deem Foes had already crost the valley's stream ; For art and night had cast a veil o'er all. 735 Weak hands were left to bid the war-fire beam, That warn'd confederate ranks within the wall, And fires the secret mine, and works a tyrant's fall. 3. A moment, and the people's shout began ; Tumult and strife that pierc'd the ear of sleep ; 740 And from the walls affrighten'd soldiers ran — " On us — on us — the demons of the steep, " Close at our gates; — and through the city sweep " Mad crowds, who cry their Emir's race survives." " Bring me my steed — a faithful watch ye keep — 745 " Ye drones, who slumber whilst they storm our hives — " Back to the southern gate— defend it with your lives. Canto IV. ILDERIM. 55 4. " Their Emir's race — a lie conceiv'd in hell ! — " My steed ! I say. — A plot in darkness plann'd! — " Another fool — and what hast thou to tell ?" — 750 " All Lebanon — with them the mountain band, " Led on by llderim." — " Base slave! unmann'd " By the vain terror of an empty sound ! " Let Hell's own legions at our portals stand, 754 " We'll drive them back ! — Away — destroy — confound ! " He vaulted on his steed, and thunder'd o'er the ground. 5. Uproar and gloom prevail'd — within — without — " Your Emir's race — ye men of Balbec rise!" Such was the cry. — Abdallagh heard the shout With rage that had not leisure to chastise — 7G0 Fierce as the bolt that flames along the skies, Threat'ning, he past through that tempestuous roar; He reach'd the gate — 'twas clos'd — the hostile cries Clamour'd without — th' assailant numbers pour, 7^)4 Like tempest-anger'd waves, that dash against the shore. 56 ILDERIM. Canto IV. 6. " What, are they foird ? — These gates are faithful still—* " Treason has fail'd, and shall not long appall, " Shout forth yon rebel Rayas as they will: — " Pour down your murd'rous volleys, one and all, " Ye, from above — where's Omar? — On the wall?" " Chieftain ! the postern was the charge he chose." — 771 " Send for him here:" — but, as they turn'd to call, A sudden outcry from the city rose; Shouts of a rushing crowd that tow'rd the portal blows. " Betray'd! — betray'd!" the clamour onward came; Murmurs, and hostile shouts resounding wide; 776 Ringing of steel, and torches' waving flame; Trampling of coursers. — " From the postern side — "Treason — 'tis Omar's — dotard! to confide " In aught but you — sons of a kindred land — 780 " On with your Chief, and turn this coming tide, " If aught of faithful" — and a desperate band Rush'd with their desperate Chief against the flood at hand. Canto IV. ILDERIM. 57 8. The shock of rushing waves ! ihey meet — they close — Fierce was the shock — and fearful was the sound: This way and that, as battle ebbs and flows, 786 The crimson billow rolls — the darkness round Disjointed rule — but each his leader found In unrelenting fur}^, or despair. Scarce lost or won a single inch of ground, 790 Tate seem'd to waver for a moment there, While carnage stain'd the earth, and clamour rent the air. 9. 'Twas but a while — engag'd for life and crown, The frantic tyrant made his last essay : But there were swords that bore resistance down : 79'5 How rush'd the torrent, when before its sway Crumbled the mound that interpos'd delay ! O'er the red pavement rush'd the broken train — The gates they once defended clos'd their way — Fear burst the bars — through portals, chok'd with slain. Pursued, pursuers, past, and mingled on the plain. 801 58^ ILDERIM. Canto IV. 10. Loos'd from the mass, emerging from the gate, Rush'd Uderim — amid that scatter'd flight He sought for only one — revenge and hate. Yet unappeas'd, were craving for their right. 805 " Tyrant! where art thou? tumult, nor ihe night, " Shall hide, or save — Abdallagh, dost thou live? " The mountain robber dares thee to the fight. *' Fail me not, Fate — nor let my foe receive " From other hands the wound thatonlytheseshould give." 11. No fruitless search — Abdallagh, borne along, 811 Had vainly tried to check the course of fear ; But now, discumber'd from tli' o'erwhelming throng, Back tow'rds the host he spurr'd his fierce career. Bereft of hope, but dauntless; on his ear 815 Fell that defiance, echoed far and wide. " Here, at thy beck, behold Abdallagh here ! " Mortal, or fiend, to earth or hell allied, " Abdallagh shuns thee not — whate'er befriends thy " side!" Canto IV. ILDERIM. 59 12. A moment, and they join'd — " I thank thee, Fate ! 820 " Yet, tyrant ! ere my ready steel I bare, " Thou sbalt confess the justice of my hate: " AVho drove me, frantic, to my mountain lair? " Wlio scath'd this wither'd bosom with despair? " Thou, curst destroyer of my sire and race! " — 825 The moon-beam, piercing through the clouded air. Cast its full radiance 6n that hidden face — Abdallagh started back, and, speechless, gaz'd a space. 13. " The graves are open'd ! — Spirit of the night, " What power has burst the tomb's relentless chain ? " Thy looks are princely Caled's to my sight, — 831 " Son of the Emir — near his father slain — " Hence to thy narrow prison-house again!" — " Yes — it is Caled — but with life endued — " He cur'd my wounds who bore me from the plain. — " Tyrant ! in unavailing blood embrued, 830 " Art thou by Caled's hate unrighteously pursued ?" S(X ILDERIM. Canto IV. 14. Uniierv'd, Abdallagh shrunk — he turn'd his steed. And fled before his foe — bul angry shame And haughty courage, in extremest need, 840 Fast, fast renew'd that bosom's native flame — Sudden he wheel'd — and, with a desperate aim, Met his pursuer — " Fortune is thy slave — " Yet shalt thou find Abdallagh's steel the same " As when it sent thy father to his grave, 845 *' And won the conquer'd realm that Caled could not save." 15. They clos'd — but Caled darted on his prey As from on high the pouncing eagle flies; Abdallagh blindly check'd the weapon's way ; Caled has struck ; and, never more to rise, S50 Stretch'd on a bloody bed th' usurper lies : — Furious in death he bites the reckless plain, And with faint menace of his hand defies ; Then sullen parts — whilst on his brow remain Fierce pride, and fiercer hate, triumphant over pain. 855 Canto IV. ILDERIM. jSl 16. *' *Tis done ! Ye victims of ambition's rage " Ye are reveng'd, and Caled's part is o'er. " I came not here to seize my heritage, " For only this — if life would charm me more " Thou must arise, fell tyrant, and restore 860 " That tender flov.'ret crush'd to earth by thee. " Vain thought! and now that thou art laid in gore, " Where is the friend shall do as much for me ? " Oh ! for a kindly sword, to set the victor free.' " 17. He scowl'd upon the dead, and turn'd away, 865 Searching where yet the battle might be found, Resolv'd on death — the dawn of early day, Pale-breaking o'er the corse-encumber'd ground, Reveal'd his path, and show'd to those around : They hail'd him rightful Prince, and Balbec's heir, 87® Victorious Lord, with wreaths of honour crown'd. Lift up your gates — thou city of his care — Receive your long-lost Prince — his father's throne prepare. ILDERIM. Canto IV. 18. He heeded not — for now that all was won, That fierce revenge the crimson cup had drain'd, 875 The troubled victor felt the more undone j For him no further object now remain'd. The wish was dead that had before sustain'd; His mind now fasten'd on his bosom's woe. Yes — she was gone that had his heart enchain'd ; 880 He was alone — and what had life to show, Might school his soul to bear such solitude below ? 19. A feeble skirmish linger'd in the van : Thither he bent ; but, as he hurried by, Stopt short, arrested by a wounded man, 885 Who from the ground, where he was left to die, Rais'd the appeal of his resistless cry — " A moment pause — there weighs upon my breast " A fatal secret, and my end is nigh. 889 " Lives are at stake," — " Thou soul, o'ermuch opprest, " Relieve thee of thy load, and AUagh grant thee rest." Canto IV. ILDERIM. 63 20. *' Whoe*er thou art — seek the victorious Chief — " jf\bdallagh's palace — thither bid him lead " His conq'ring troops to woman's prompt relief— " Abdallagh's lovely child is doom'd to bleed, 895 " All, all the harem — so himself decreed, " If fortune to the robber's vow replied — " 1 bore the message — death rewards the deed, " And angry Azrael, threat'ning — at my side — ^' Oh ! save me from his frown !'' — the miscreant groan'd, " and died. 900 21. " They must be sav'd. — Oh ! monster to the last ! " I must not rest till thou art foil'd again — '^ Yet how ? for, ere the palace gate be past, " The guard within, beholding Caled's train — " What means or ail ? — it flashes on ray brain : 905 " Once more the secret of the rock shall aid. " Mirza, where art thou .'"' Rapid, o'er the plain " He sought his friends; who, for their Chief dismay'd, Rejoic'd at his return, and at his call obey'd. 64 ILDERIM. Canto IV. 22. The palace, on the city's strongest side, 910 Stood near the walls, remote from either gate; A deep ravine such outer trench supplied As art might vainly seek to emulate. Aloft, austere in solitary state, Thron'd on the rock, the princely building rose : 91^ Where nature watch'd, man needed not to wait : Those craggy ramparts mock assailant foes — Nor eyes are gazing there to mark who comes or goes. 23. To that ravine th' acquainted leader bent — Dismounting there, by rugged paths of stone 920 The toiling band o'ercame the steep descent — Fronting, they found a cave, with brake o'ergrown,' That scem'd or long neglected or unknown ; " Behold your road, and dare without delay; " Short time ago I trod the path alone."— 925 Through bush and brake the party forc'd their way, The craggy portal gain'd, and left the light of day. • Camto IV. ILDERIM. 66 24. Their Chieftain held the torch ; long aisles of gloom, Cautious, yet swift, they pierc'd; where reign'd around The silence and the chilness of the tomb — 930 The cavern ends — but spiral steps they found, That, flank'd by massive walls, ascending wound : " Are ye prepar'd ? — The destin'd scene is near." Nor long ere, from above, a distant sound Confirm'd his words — with shrinking hearts they hear Faint cries of distant woe, and shrieks of female fear. 936 25. " On — or too late," — from hapless Azza's bower Arose the piercing clamour of distress — Assembled there, but in no festive hour, Throng'd all the harem's pride and loveliness — 940 Victims forewarn'd, that round their mistress press : — Calm in despair the sister maids were seen, Doom'd like the others, but bewilder'd less — In prayer they knelt — with pale but constant mien. Majestic in their woe, and in their fears serene. 945 F 66 ILDERIM. Canto IV. 26. The doors are burst — the dark assassin train, Who scarcely gave the promis'd time for prayer, Advanc'd to strike! — An instant — and in vain The near assistance that the victors bear. Round the first victim's wildly streaming hair Q50 That savage hand its dusky grasp has twin'd : The lifted steel — Oh ! moment of despair — When, bursting through the yavv^ning wall behind, Rush'd in with furious shout the aid by Heav'n design'd. 27. Amazement, panic, stay'd the lifted steel ; 955 Short time had those to work their lord's command, Who now themselves the stroke of carnage feel, Subdued, or ere they fought — the saviour band Let loose the furies of each armed hand, Hew'd those who fled, and slaughter'd those who stood. Remorseless rag'd the just, unsparing, brand — 9^1 Death had his feast — but tasted other food Than stem Abdallagh meant, and drank of other blood. Canto IV. ILDERIM. Gj 28. Echoed the marble halls to groans and cries — Uncertain yet what fortune had in store 965 The rescued victims scarcely rais'd their eyes, Perhaps severely sav'd, to suffer more. Back from pursuit, the act of vengeance o'er, Caled return'd, and sought Abdallagh's child ; Distain'd his vest, his sabre dropping gore, 970 Fire darting from his eyes, and features wild. Some lion loos'd he seem'd,.with recent prey defil'd. 29. That sight might well the trembling heart confound ; Terror beheld the master-savage near : The females shriek'd, encircling Azza round, QIH In all the anxious helplessness of fear. — " We come to save — as woman's guardians, here — " Azza, thy shield :" — but onward as he came, A voice, a murmur burst upon his ear, Thatthrill'd through ev'ry fibre of his frame: 980 A well-known voice it was, and breath'd his rightful name. 68 ILDERIM. Canto IV. 30. Forwards he sprung. — Why starts the victor now ? Now motionless, as if by magic stay'd ? Why sits a death-like paleness on his brow ? Why thund'ring falls his all-ungovern'd blade ? 985 Her, her he sees, his own, his long lost maid ! It was herself, that living form of light, ' Her drooping head on Azza's bosom laid; Nature had sunk beneath the keen delight That tried Elmyra's heart when Caled blest her sight. NOTES. NOTES. 2. " Kist Balbec's walls " Balbec, gradually reduced, since the Mahomedan conquest, to an inconsiderable town, is become, with the adjacent plain, an hereditary possession in the family of. an Arabian chief. The plain is bounded by the heights of Libanus on the one side, and on the other by those of Anti-Libanus. The city stands at the foot of the latter. The reader is only reminded of these localities on account of the events which occur in the course of the Poem. 16. " Sounds that refresh with cooling melody." Whoever has listened to falling water in a sultry day, will confess that sounds have power to cool. 20. " Long pointed arches, (for, to Arab lore ** Its splendors imitative Europe owes.) " The position here laid down may, perhaps, be called an assumption. The author has only to say in excuse, that, from what he was able to trace of the progress of Oriental architecture, it appears evident to him, that the Arabian conquerors gave the style, commonly called Gothic, to Europe, whether, or not, they were the inventors of the pointed arch themselves. G 2 72 NOTES. 42. " Aloft its giant leaf Banana spread." The Banana is the Musa Sapientum of botanists; a species of plantain, distinct from the bread-fruit tree. It bears a delicious fruit, and its leaves are of immense size. 43. Waving in air, like Mecca's ^ag unroll' d." This flag is of green, which is the sacred colour. 101. " Then, when the harem was reverd no more." In times of even the greatest disorder and violence, the harem has, almost universally, been respected. An exception, however, to this general rule took place at Cairo in 1811, on the occasion of the treacherous massacre of the Mamlukes, at the command of Melimed Ali, Viceroy of Egypt. This outrage was long talked of, and severely reprobated, in a part of the world where the massacre was scarcely considered a crime. ip4. " His name of Ilderim ." Ilderim, in Turkish, means the lightning. It was a surname given to Bajazet, on account of the rapidity of his military operations ; and is here given to the robber for much the same reason. 218. "Oh Libanus ! on steeps of giant size." The mountains of Libanus are most picturesque in outline, and magnificent in height, the snow remaining on many of their summits till late in summer. But the stately cedars are gone ; or, at least, fine specimens are only to be seen at a single spot. The great havock was made during the early ages of Christianity, when the Holy Land was so universally adorned with churches, of which the roofs were usually cedar. The tree itself, however, is not uncommon .: but is never suffered to attain anv great size, being cut do^vn for use whilst it is young. NOTES. 73 280. " The spear-bound steeds ." The Arab does not " stable his steed," but tethers him to his spear, which he fixes in the ground. 480. " It seem'd a lake ." In many parts of Turkey we observed this resemblance. The plains often extended on one level up to the base of the hills : the hills rose abruptly, often jutting out in promontories, or retiring in bays ; so that the eye, glancing uninteiTuptedly over the unenclosed expanse, beheld a flat surface, like that of still water, apparently surrounded by shores. 330. " That ruind pile ." The ruins of the magnificent temples of Balbec domineer so proudly over the modern city, that the one seems to be the work of giants, and the other of pigmies. The Syrians, unable to account for the construction of such stupendous edifices by natural means, ascribe them to the Genii who worked under the orders of King Solomon. 654. ** He drew a rosary ." The Catholic associations usually conjured up by this word, will, perhaps, make it appear to be improperly used here : but it must be remembered, that the Turks are universal tellers of beads, and that a string of beads (for which there is no English name but rosary) forms, in that country, a part of every man's dress. 65S. "■ Strange to behold a robber use at prayer," The Turkish nation are more outwardly devout than any other. Whatever a Turk does in priv.ate, he prays in public; kneeling down on his portable carpet in the market-place, and the highway. This mere act of devotion would not appear extraordinary in Ilderim ; not to mention that his particular way of life is by no means considered disgraceful 74 NOTES, in Turkey, where it is perfectly compatible to be a great robber, and a good Mussulman. 685. " Wain's lurid sign ." Syria is inhabited by many, perfectly distinct, tribes, the fragments and relics of various nations. The inhabitants of the plain of Balbec are quite another race from those of Libanus. Those countries are still, as Europe was in feudal times ; the neighbouring tribes and pashas constantly making war upon each otJier : Azza and Elrayra, therefore, would know at once what the watch-fires meant. 723. " The warrior Druses ." The Druses are the possessors of Libanus. Volney gives an excellent account of this singular nation; and to him I would refer such readers as may wish to become better acquainted with their peculiarities, one of which is universal toleration, insomuch that Libanus swarms with convents of different rites. Libanus is the sanctuary of Turkey. All who fear Turkish justice take refuge there, that can, and are kindly received. The Druses are very warlike, and are constantly lending assistance, in that way, to one or other of their neighbours. Their mountains secure them from the pressure of the Turkish yoke ; the effects of which immunity are conspicuous in the face of the country. On leaving the thinly inhabited and wretchedly cultivated plain, you ascend into regions where the improved state of every accessible spot, the groves of olives and mulberries, the vineyards, the thickly-scattered villages and convents, at once proclaim comparative freedom. 899. " ^zrael - The angel of death. THE END. Printed by J. Moyes, Greville Street, London.