Romanze IV

Along San Lucar's ample square See gallant Gazul ride; In snowey hue array'd, and green, And purple's radiant pride. To Gelves he designs to go, His valiant skill to try; In turnament with many a knight Of high renown to vie.

The chief a noble dame adores; Of her farewell to take, A thousand anxious turns before Yon mansion see him make. Lo, from the balcony at length, The lovely maid inclines, As o'er a distant hill the morn, In rosy radiance shines.

Swift from his steed the warrior lights, And kneels upon the ground, As struck with awe: such power has love The valiant to confound. 'O fair,' he cries with trembling voice, 'This day must fame be mine: 'What chance can hurt me now that I 'Have seen thy charms divine?

'Yet of thy favour I beseech 'Some badge to bear along ; 'That, with it grac'd, my haughty lance 'May as my love be strong.' In jealous rage the maid replied, For then full well she knew That Zaida, his first desire, An elder duty drew.

'If in the combat thy success 'My heart's desire may crown; 'No more, false knight, shalt thou return, 'But life lose, and renown. 'To God I speak my eager wish, 'Sincere as thou dost lye, 'That in the fight by secret foes 'Ignobly thou mayst die.

'O may thy enemies be strong! 'Thy friends all dastards prove! 'O be thou dead, as is thy fame, 'And not even pity move!' The leader thinks she speaks in jest, And thus in haste replies; 'The Moor who would us set at strife, 'Believe me, lady, lies.

'May all thy curses on him light! 'My soul must now abhor 'That Zaida; tho wont, I own, Her beauty to adore. 'After long years of service, she 'For a base Moor me left—' The fair retired, nor more would hear, Of patience quite bereft.

A page appear'd, and gallant steeds Him brought in rich array: 'Return,' the frantic warrior cried, 'We try no arms this day.' In frenzy then against the wall That hid his fair from view, So fierce he tilted, that his spear In thousand splinters flew.

In anguish now he paus'd a while, Now rode in furious mood, Till madness fired his inmost soul, And prompted deeds of blood. His wandering way to Xerez far Along the shore he held; Where with her sire his former love, False Zaida, now dwell'd.

The star of eve with golden light Illumed the western wave, When near to Xerez Gazul drew, As Rodamonte brave. Not he, that king of Argel high, When for his fair he strove With Mandricardo, stood in praise Young Gazul's name above.

Now near her mansion, with fresh rage His dauntless bosom burn'd; And thus he spoke, while plaintive waves And rocks the sound return'd. 'O Zaida, more faithless far 'Than that inconstant sea; 'Not half so savage are these rocks, 'Not half so hard as thee!

'How can'st thou give thy youthful hand 'To him thy suitor old; 'And leave the riches of the mind 'For sordid wealth of gold? 'Oh, may ev'n he, thy suitor old, 'Thy falshood learn to scorn! 'May never love thy anxious nights, 'Nor joy thy days adorn.

'At zambra , nor at festival, 'May never knight appear, 'Thy cypher on embroider'd sleeve, 'Or silken badge to bear. 'May jealousy ev'n of his age 'Thy peace still violate. 'May he live long! Thy fiercest foe 'Can wish no worse a fate.'

Thus as he spoke the gradual night Descended all around; And, as he near the mansion drew, Of mirth he heard the sound. Sudden before a rushing croud The doors were open thrown; And thro' the gloom in bright array A thousand torches shone.

In midst the future husband held Young Zaida's false hand. To church they went, where stood the priest To fix the sacred band. This cruel sight when Gazul saw, His madness found new flame; A while he rested, till at hand The brilliant troop now came.

Then spurr'd his steed into the midst, And thus his lady's choice Address'd, while all in sudden fear Stood trembling at his voice. 'Hope not, base traitor, to enjoy 'This lady, once my love; 'Defend thyself if e'er thy arm 'Could skill or valour prove.

He spoke. They fought. The aged Moor Lay dead upon the ground. Swift to revenge his wretched fall, His numerous friends drew round. Against their force the warrior stood With more than mortal might: Then, slow retreating, refuge found Amid the shades of night.