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One only object chill'd her blood with ear : 



Far off removed (but still, alas ! too near), 



Scarce breathing, lest a breath her sleep might break, 



There stood the fiend, and watch'd to see her wake. 



In sooth, if credit outward show might crave, 

 Than Irza, ne'er had nymph an humbler slave. 

 He watched her every glance ; her frown he fear'd ; 

 And if his pains to meet her wish appear'd, 

 All pains seem'd far o'er-paid, all cares appeased, 

 And so she found but pleasure, he was pleased. 

 One power he claim'd, but claim'd that power alone : 

 Still, when he left her side, a mass of stone 

 Barr'd up the grotto, nor allow'd her feet 

 To pass the limits of her bright retreat. 

 But when in quest of food not forced to stray, 

 In Irza's sight he wore the livelong day, 

 And show'd her living springs and noontide shades, 

 Spice-breathing groves, and flower-enamell'd glades. 

 For her he still selects the sweetest roots, 

 The coolest waters, and the loveliest fruits ; 

 To deck her charms the softest furs he brings, 

 And plucks their plumage from flamingo wings ; 

 Bids blooming shrubs, to shade her, bend in bowers, 

 And strews her couch with fragrant herbs and flowers ; 

 While many an ivy-twisted grate restrains 

 The splendid tenants of the etherial plains. 

 Then, when she sought her lonesome grot at eve, 

 And waved her hand, and warn'd him take his leave, 

 Her will was his : he breathed his plaintive moan, 

 Gazed one last look, then gently rolPd the stone. 



Perhaps, such constant care and worship paid, 

 More fit for angel than for mortal maid, 

 At length had won her, with more grateful mind 

 To view his gifts, and pay respect so kind; 

 But, as her giant-gaoler she esteem'd 

 Some prince of subterraneous fire, she deem'd 



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