LXII. In marble-pav'd pavilion, where a spring Yet in his lineaments ye cannot trace, While Gentleness her milder radiance throws Along that aged venerable face, The deeds that lurk beneath, and stain him with disgrace. LXIII. It is not that yon hoary lengthening beard Ill suits the passions which belong to youth; Love conquers age-so Hafiz hath averr'd, So sings the Teian, and he sings in soothBut crimes that scorn the tender voice of Ruth, Beseeming all men ill, but most the man In years, have marked him with a tyger's tooth; Blood follows blood, and, through their mortal span, In bloodier acts conclude those who with blood began. LXIV. 'Mid many things most new to ear and eye Till quickly wearied with that spacious seat And Pleasure, leagued with Pomp, the zest of both destroys. LXV. Fierce are Albania's children, yet they lack Not virtues, were those virtues more mature. Where is the foe that ever saw their back? Who can so well the toil of war endure? Their native fastnesses not more secure Than they in doubtful time of troublous need: Their wrath how deadly! but their friendship sure, When Gratitude or Valour bids them bleed, Unshaken rushing on where'er their chief may lead LXVI. Childe Harold saw them in their chieftain's tower That saddening hour when bad men hotlier press: When less barbarians would have cheer'd him less, And fellow-countrymen have stood aloof—27 In aught that tries the heart how few withstand the proof! LXVII. It chanc'd that adverse winds once drove his bark Full on the coast of Suli's shaggy shore, Dubious to trust where treachery might lurk : LXVIII. Vain fear! the Suliotes stretch'd the welcome hand, Led them o'er rocks and past the dangerous swamp, Kinder than polish'd slaves though not so bland, And pil'd the hearth, and wrung their garments damp, And fill'd the bowl, and trimm'd the cheerful lamp, And spread their fare; though homely, all they had: Such conduct bears Philanthropy's rare stamp— To rest the weary and to soothe the sad, Doth lesson happier men, and shames at least the bad. LXIX. . It came to pass, that when he did address To traverse Acarnania's forest wide, In war well season'd, and with labours tann'd, Till he did greet white Achelous' tide, And from his further bank Ætolia's wolds espied. LXX. Where lone Utraikey forms its circling cove, And weary waves retire to gleam at rest, How brown the foliage of the green hill's grove, Nodding at midnight o'er the calm bay's breast, As winds come lightly whispering from the west, Kissing, not ruffling, the blue deep's serene:Here Harold was receiv'd a welcome guest; Nor did he pass unmov'd the gentle scene, For many a joy could he from Night's soft presence glean. LXXI. On the smooth shore the night-fires brightly blaz'd, Each Palikar 29 his sabre from him cast, And bounding hand in hand, man link'd to man, Yelling their uncouth dirge, long daune'd the kirtled clan. |