LIV.
He dames, maids, ancient men, and others, who
Had from Granada with the damsel fared,
Kindly dismissed, their journey to pursue;
Saying, “My care suffices; I of guard,
“Of guide, of handmaid will the office do,
“To serve her in her every need prepared.
“Farewell!” and thus unable to withstand
The wrong, with tears and sighs withdrew the band,
LV.
Saying, “How woe-begone will be her sire,
“When he the miserable case shall hear!
“What grief will be the bridegroom’s! what his ire!
“How dread the vengeance of that cavalier!
“When so the lady’s needs such help require,
“Alas! and why is not the champion near,
“To save the illustrious blood of Stordilane,
“Ere the thief bears her farther hence, from stain?”
LVI.
The Tartar, joying in the prize possest,
Which he by chance and valour won and wore;
To find the warrior of the sable vest
Seemed not to have the haste he had before,
And stopp’d and loitered, where he whilom prest;
And cast about and studied evermore
To find some fitting shelter; with desire,
In quiet to exhale such amorous fire.
