Alas! when weeks, and months are past,
Shall I that home behold at last,
Which even the dark clouds overcast
Endear?
Lest one of all the cares that dart
Like arrows round each thoughtful heart,
May pierce ere then some vital part
I fear!
XX.
_On reading in Savary's Travels the death of Ali Bey, who, it is
there represented, in the midst of enlightened and benevolent efforts
to benefit his country, was repeatedly betrayed, and at length taken
captive by his brother-in-law, whom he had advanced and loved, and
who, till the very last, he could not believe to be his enemy_.
--------
O generous Ali! while thy fate inspires
Indignant pity, with a patriot's fires,
I mourn for Egypt, and with equal zeal,
For her, for thee, and ruin'd science feel:
Admire the confidence my heart deplores
And blame the weakness it almost adores!
Pride of thy race! before my mental eyes,
I see thee, like another Alfred rise;
See honour splendent on thy ample brow,
While Thought and Genius fill the orbs below;
Those beaming orbs! where lofty sweetness shone,
And where the soul sate smiling on her throne:
Depriv'd too soon of that benignant ray,
Which impious Dahab shudder'd to survey.
Pages:
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30