XLIV. Here the red cross, for still the cross is here, Thou sacerdotal gain, but general loss! Who from true worship's gold can separate thy dross? XLV. 15 Ambracia's gulf behold, where once was lost God! was thy globe ordain'd for such to win and lose? XLVI. From the dark barriers of that rugged clime, Childe Harold pass'd o'er many a mount sublime, Are rarely seen; nor can fair Tempe boast To match some spots that lurk within this lowering coast. XLVII. He pass'd bleak Pindus, Acherusia's lake,' And left the primal city of the land, And onwards did his further journey take To greet Albania's chief, 13 whose dread command Is lawless law for with a bloody hand : He sways a nation, turbulent and bold : Yet here and there some daring mountain-band Disdain his power, and from their rocky hold Hurl their defiance far, nor yield, unless to gold."9 XLVIII. Monastic Zitza! 20 from thy shady brow, Thou small, but favour'd spot of holy ground! What rainbow tints, what magic charms are found! Beneath, the distant torrent's rushing sound Between those hanging rocks, that shock yet please the soul. XLIX. yon tufted hill, Amidst the Is welcome still; nor heedless will he flee From hence, if he delight kind Nature's sheen to see. L. Here in the sultriest season let him rest, LI. Dusky and huge, enlarging on the sight, Nature's volcanic amphitheatre, 22 Chimæra's Alps extend from left to right: Beneath, a living valley seems to stir ; Flocks play, trees wave, streams flow, the mountain fir Nodding above: behold black Acheron !23 Once consecrated to the sepulchre. Pluto! if this be hell I look upon, Close shamed Elysium's gates, my shade shall seek for none ! LII. Ne city's towers pollute the lovely view; Veil'd by the screen of hills! here men are few, But, peering down each precipice, the goat Browseth and, pensive o'er his scatter'd flock, : The little shepherd in his white capote*4 Doth lean his boyish form along the rock, Or in his cave awaits the tempest's short-lived shock. LIII. Oh! where, Dodona! is thine aged grove, Prophetic fount and oracle divine? What valley echoes the response of Jove? What trace remaineth of the Thunderer's shrine? All, all forgotten-and shall man repine That his frail bonds to fleeting life are broke? Cease, fool! the fate of gods may well be thine : Wouldst thou survive the marble or the oak? When nations, tongues, and worlds must sink beneath the stroke! LIV. Epirus' bounds recede, and mountains fail; Tired of up-gazing still, the wearied eye Reposes gladly on as smooth a vale As ever spring yclad in grassy dye : Even on a plain no humble beauties lie, Where some bold river breaks the long expanse, Or with the moon-beams sleep in midnight's solemn trance. LV. The sun had sunk behind vast Tomerit,25 Whose walls o'erlook the stream; and drawing nigh, He heard the busy hum of warrior-men Swelling the breeze that sigh'd along the length'ning glen. LVI. He pass'd the sacred haram's silent tower, Here men of every clime appear to make resort. LVII. Richly caparison'd, a ready row Of armed horse, and many a warlike store, The Turk, the Greek, the Albanian, and the Moor, While the deep war-drum's sound announced the close of day. LVIII. The wild Albanian kirtled to his knee, With shawl-girt head and ornamented gun, LIX. Are mix'd conspicuous: some recline in groups, "There is no god but God!-to prayer-lo! God is great!" LX. Just at this season Ramazani's fast Through the long day its penance did maintain : LXI. Here woman's voice is never heard: apart, Herself more sweetly rears the babe she bears, LXII. In marble-paved pavilion, where a spring 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 mark'd him with a tiger's tooth; Blood follows blood, and, through their mortal span, In bloodier acts conclude those who with blood began. |