To them I look for my defence by stratagem or steel.
And, Fortune, do thy worst; it is not meant,
By Allah, that his knight should die in banishment.
"Permit it not that in the generous breasts of those whose blood
Flows in my veins, who by my side as faithful champions stood,
Those cursed asps, whose effigies my shield's circumference fill,
Could plant the thoughts of villany by which they work me ill.
Just heaven forbids their words should blot the honor of my name,
For pure and faithful is my heart, howe'er my foes defame;
And Zaida, lovely Zaida, at a word that did me wrong,
Would close her ears in scornful ire and curse the slanderous tongue.
And, Fortune, do thy worst; it is not meant,
By Allah, that his knight should die in banishment.
"Nay, Fortune, turn no more thy wheel, I care not that it rest,
Nor bid thee draw the nail that makes it stand at man's behest
Oh, may I never say to thee, when for thy aid I call,
Let me attain the height of bliss whate'er may be my fall!
And when I roam from those I love, may never cloud arise
To dim my hope of a return and hide me from their eyes.
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