The Slave

He waited till within her tower Her taper signalled him the hour. He was a prince both fair and brave.— What hope that he would love her slave! He of the Persian dynasty; And she a Queen of Araby!— No Peri singing to a star Upon the sea were lovelier.... I helped her drop the silken rope. He clomb, aflame with love and hope. I drew the dagger from my gown And cut the ladder, leaning down. Oh, wild his face, and wild the fall: Her cry was wilder than them all. I heard her cry; I heard him moan; And stood as merciless as stone. The eunuchs came: fierce scimitars Stirred in the torch-lit corridors. She spoke like one who speaks in sleep, And bade me strike or she would leap. I bade her leap: the time was short: And kept the dagger for my heart. She leapt.... I put their blades aside, And smiling in their faces—died.