"O Lord! we would not advise ; But if in thy Providence A tempest should arise To drive the French Fleet hence, This was the prayer I made, For my soul was all on flame, And even as I prayed The answering tempest came ; It came with a mighty power, Shaking the windows and walls, And tolling the bell in the tower, As it tolls at funerals. The lightning suddenly Unsheathed its flaming sword, And I cried: "Stand still, and see The salvation of the Lord!" The heavens were black with cloud, The sea was white with hail, And ever more fierce and loud Blew the October gale. The fleet it overtook, And the broad sails in the van Like a potter's vessel broke The great ships of the line; They were carried away as a smoke, They vanished and ceased to be, With thine horses through the sea! THE LEAP OF ROUSHAN BEG MOUNTED on Kyrat strong and fleet, Up the mountain pathway flew. Such was Kyrat's wondrous speed, Reach the dust-cloud in his course. More than maiden, more than wife, More than gold and next to life Roushan the Robber loved his horse. In the land that lies beyond Seven hundred and fourscore Did his bidding night and day; Now, through regions all unknown, He was wandering, lost, alone, Seeking without guide his way. Suddenly the pathway ends, Loud the torrent roars unseen; Following close in his pursuit, Reyhan the Arab of Orfah Gently Roushan Beg caressed "O my Kyrat, O my steed, Carry me this peril through! Satin housings shall be thine, Shoes of gold, O Kyrat mine, O thou soul of Kurroglou ! "Soft thy skin as silken skein, Soft as woman's hair thy mane, Tender are thine eyes and true; All thy hoofs like ivory shine, Polished bright; O life of mine, Leap, and rescue Kurroglou !" |