OH! DARK-EYED MAID OF PALESTINE.
I
Oh, dark-eyed maid of Palestine,
Though thou hast set me free,
Mistake me not—I cannot breathe
Affection's vow to thee!
The love that I can never feel
My lip would scorn to feign,
Then summon forth thy father's guard,
And give me back my chain.
II
Far in a land thou ne'er wilt view,
I left a gentle bride;
I know that in my plighted vow
Her fond heart will confide;
She may be told that far away
Her captive love was slain,
She shall not hear that I was false,
Then give me back my chain.
III
I see a tear steal o'er thy cheek—
My sentence I await;
But now thy trembling finger points
To yonder open gate!
Dark maid of Palestine, I seek
My plighted bride again,
And when we cease to pray for thee,
Oh! give me my chain again.
