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If thou should speak of Xerez," he said with kindling eye, "Now take my lance, like Zaida's spouse this moment let me die, And may I some day find thee in a rival's arms at rest, And he by all thy arts of love be tenderly caressed; Unless the Moor whose slander made me odious in thy eyes In caitiff fraud and treachery abuse thine ear with lies."
And if thou didst not see him die, And Zaida's tears of agony, The bandage on thine orbs draw tight That thou mayst never meet the sight! Sadly we march along the crowded street, While trumpets hoarsely blare and drums tempestuous beat. Not only Zaida's eyes are wet, For him her soul shall ne'er forget; But many a heart in equal share The sorrow of that lady bare.
This is the goal of my desire, the aim of my design, That Zaida's hand in mine be placed and her heart beat close to mine! Then spake the fair Sultana, and she dropped a tender tear, "Nay mourn not for the present pain, for future bliss is near. The wings of Time are swift, and they bear a brighter day; And when once the longed-for gift is here 'twill never pass away!"
The second hour of night had rung When, on his gallant steed, He passed thro' Jerez' gate resolved Upon a desperate deed. And lo! to Zaida's dwelling With peaceful mien he came, Pondering his bloody vengeance Upon that house of shame. For he will pass the portal, And strike the bridegroom low; But first must cross the wide, wide court, Ere he can reach his foe.
On this Celinda took her leave, And vanished from his view, And, thinking proudly of her smile, Azarco straight withdrew. Scarce half a league from Gelva the knight dismounted stood, Leaning upon his upright spear, and bitter was his mood. He thought upon Celinda's curse, and Zaida's fickle mind, "Ah, Fortune, thou to me," he cried, "hast ever proved unkind."
At this the lovers joined their hands and hearts, and, with a kiss, Sealed all their vows of friendship and promises of bliss Their love was strong and solid and constant should remain, Till death should end their bondage and break the golden chain. Kind friend of Bencerraje's line, what judgment dost thou hold Of all that Zaida's changeful moods before thine eyes unfold?
"And since 'tis my unhappy lot, through slander's cruel wiles, I should be robbed so many years of Zaida's cheering smiles, Yet those who say that I am false, and name Celinda's name, Oh, may they gain no end at length but obloquy and shame! It is not just that to these words and to these anxious fears, These wild complaints, the god of love should close his heedless ears!
Oh, haply 'twas that Zaida's self, Ungrateful like her changing sex, Had chosen this emir, thus in scorn Her Abenamar's soul to vex.
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