Britain ... - Blue-Lite

300 THE VARANGIAN. [Act II.
When I should to the Emperor's court return,
And claim thee for my bride.
ZALMIRA.
When thou,
In the Varangian guards, the Emperor's leave
Didst gain to visit these thy native shores,
A princely lover sought my hand, and won
was left for me
My sire's consent. No hope
But in a speedy flight ; and I, disguised,
Embarked on board a vessel bound for France.
On the wild seas a pirate took our ship,
And happily to this famed island bore us.
Where I was to a Hebrew merchant sold
Who deals in slaves ;
a chief
and being hither brought,
Became the bondmaid of that wretch, from whom
Thy timely presence saved me.
HEREWARD.
Blest be Heaven !
For in Despair's dark, shadow-haunted vale
We gather the bright flowers of hope and joy.
My dearest one, my own Ionian maid,
All now shall soon be well.
ZALMIRA.
O, I am like
The dungeon captive, who at early dawn
Comes forth to
liberty, and once more looks
On the rich splendours of the morning skies,
Which, filled with music, shed a dazzling flood
Of glory on his long-beclouded sight,
While Eden round him blooms. But now I gaze
On thee again, how is it I behold
My brave Varangian in these peasant weeds
Of slavery clad ? Alas ! how canst thou save