Britain ... - Blue-Lite

Scene I.] THE VARANGIAN. 295
Is like the music of a minstrel's song
Heard in a foreign land, whose tones are sweet
Although unknown his language. Comely slave,
My love for thee is mighty. Marvel'st not
That I, a man of worship, condescend
Thus low and long to woo, who can command
So many fair and yielding maids that doat
On my desired person ?
ZALMIRA.
O, in compassion
To such desiring fools, on them bestow
The gift of thy perfections, nor to me,
So thankless for a favour I would shun,
Proffer what others covet, thy sweet person ;
Which seems, in my poor judgment, formed of all
That in thy sex is hateful.
ALMARIC.
Poor ingrate !
But I must teach thee better. Thou remember'st
When the slave-merchant, that old, bearded Jew,
Who with his human cattle up and down
The country travels, brought thee to this city ?
I saw thee in the slave-mart and, well pleased
With thy soft beauty, purchased thee, albeit
There was no lack of maidens in this house ;
No, nor of comely ones, well skilled in all
Th' accomplishments and graces of thy sex.
In pity to that delicate form, did I
Not take thee from the bondage of a wretch
Who knew no mercy ? Yet, ungrateful, thou
Art coy and cold, and ever weeping tears
Like a November cloud.