BY one of early years the troop was led, A handsome lad, and elegantly bred. He landed with his party near the park. And these in two divided ere 'twas dark.
ONE half he left a guard upon the shore, And with the other hastened to the door, Where dwelled the belle, who daily fairer grew: Our chief was smitten instantly at view; And, fearing opportunity again, Like this, perhaps, he never might obtain, Avowed at once his passion to the fair; At which she frowned, and told him, with an air; To recollect his duty, and her rank:-- With equals only, he should be so frank.
ON these occasions, prudent 'tis to show Your disappointment by a face of woe; Seem ev'ry way the picture of despair:-- This countenance our knight appeared to wear; To starve himself he vowed was his design; To use the poniard he should ne'er incline, For then no time for penitence would rest.-- The princess of his folly made a jest. He fasted one whole day; she-tried in vain To make him from the enterprise refrain.
AT length, the second day she 'gan to feel, And strong emotion scarcely could conceal. What! let a person die her charms could save! 'Twas cruel, thus to treat a youth so brave. Through pity, she at last, to please the chief, Consented to bestow on him relief; For, favours, when conferred with sullen air, But little gratify she was aware.
WHen satisfied the smart gallant appeared, And anxiously to putting off adhered, Pretending that the wind and tide would fail; The galleys sometimes were unfit to sail, Repairs required; then further heard the news, That certain pirates had unpleasant views; To fall upon the escort they'd contrived: At length, a pirate suddenly arrived, Surprized the party left upon the shore, Destroyed the whole; then sought the house for more, And scaled the walls while darkness spread around. The pirate was Grifonio's second found, Who, in a trice, the noble mansion took, And joy gave place to grief in ev'ry look.
THe Alexandrian swore and cursed his lot; The pirate soon the lady's story got, And, taking her aside, his share required Such impudence Alaciel's patience tired, Who, ev'ry thing refused with haughty air; Of this, howe'er, the robber was aware; In Venus' court no novice was he thought; To gain the princess anxiously he sought; Said he, you'd better take me as a friend; I'm more than pirate, and you'll comprehend, As you've obliged one dying swain to fast, You fast in turn, or you'll give way at last; 'Tis justice this demands: we sons of sea Know how to deal with those of each degree; Remember you will nothing have to eat, Till your surrender fully is complete.