 | Young Arthur |  |
186
The others safety most to each a care.
Once near Aleppo's gates young Allan stray'd,
An Arab fainting on the road was laid:
Allan stopp'd short; the Arab's head uprais'd,
With death's pale cheek and haggar'd eye he gaz'd;
Yet look'd request, and Allan instant flew
Within the city; there a sage he knew
Skill'd in the blest resuscitating art,
And instant aid he begg'd him to impart;
The sage attends him, eager as implor'd,
And soon the dying Arab is restor'd;
The sage's dwelling his till health resum'd
Its wonted vigour, and his eye illum'd:
Here for three days young Allan visit paid;
The third at parting, thus the Arab said:
“Sav'd by thy zeal, let this my thanks convey;
This ring; to-morrow bears me on my way;
An Arab, here on secret charge I roam,
To-morrow bears me to my desart home.
Be it thy lot the desart e'er to trace,
Safety is thine from Irad-Mulech's race;
Name Irad-Mulech, passport shall it be,
Guide and protection o'er the sands for thee.”
187
The youth rejected; and the Arab frown'd;
The youth's reply secur'd the chief's regard,
“The act of duty covets not reward.”
And quickly left him, for the hour was near
To meet the partner of his hope and fear.
| Young Arthur | |