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Dost know thy fate, thy just reward ? The Persian bent his head,
"I know both sides of victory, and only grieve, he said,
"Because there will be none to fight against thee when I am dead.
"No Persian faints at sight of Death, we know his face too well, —
He waits for us on mountain side, in town, or shelter'd dell
But I crave a cup of wine, thy first and latest boon,
For I have gone three days athirst, and fear lest I may swoon,
Or even wrong mine enemy, by dying now, too soon.
The cup was brought but ere he drank, the Persian shudder'd white.
Omar replied, "What fearest thou ? The wine is clear and bright "
We are no poisoners, not we, nor traitors to a guest,
No dart behind, nor dart within, shall pierce thy gallant breast
Till thou hast drained the draught, O foe, thou dost in safety rest.