To use the poniard he should ne’er incline,
          For then no time for penitence would rest.-
          The princess of his folly made a jest. 
          He fasted one whole day; she-tried in vain
          To make him from the enterprise refrain.

          Atlength, the second day she ’gan to feel,
          And strong emotion scarcely could conceal. 
          What! let a person die her charms could save! 
          ’Twas cruel, thus to treat a youth so brave. 
          Through pity, she at last, to please the chief,
          Consented to bestow on him relief;
          For, favours, when conferred with sullen air,
          But little gratify she was aware.

          WHen satisfied the smart gallant appeared,
          And anxiously to putting off adhered,
          Pretending that the wind and tide would fail;
          The galleys sometimes were unfit to sail,
          Repairs required; then further heard the news,
          That certain pirates had unpleasant views;
          To fall upon the escort they’d contrived: 
          At length, a pirate suddenly arrived,
          Surprized the party left upon the shore,
          Destroyed the whole; then sought the house for more,
          And scaled the walls while darkness spread around. 
          The pirate was Grifonio’s second found,
          Who, in a trice, the noble mansion took,
          And joy gave place to grief in ev’ry look.

          THe Alexandrian swore and cursed his lot;
          The pirate soon the lady’s story got,
          And, taking her aside, his share required
          Such impudence Alaciel’s patience tired,
          Who, ev’ry thing refused with haughty air;
          Of this, howe’er, the robber was aware;
          In Venus’ court no novice was he thought;
          To gain the princess anxiously he sought;
          Said he, you’d better take me as a friend;
          I’m more than pirate, and you’ll comprehend,
          As you’ve obliged one dying swain to fast,
          You fast in turn, or you’ll give way at last;
          ’Tis justice this demands:  we sons of sea
          Know how to deal with those of each degree;
          Remember you will nothing have to eat,
          Till your surrender fully is complete.

          Nohaggling, princess pray, my word receive;
          What could be done, her terror to relieve? 
          Above all law is might:—­’twill take its course;
          Entire submission is the last resource.

          Of’twhat we would not, we’re obliged to do,
          When fate our steps with rigour will pursue. 
          No folly greater than to heighten pain,
          When we are sensible relief is vain. 
          What she, through pity, to another gave,
          Might well be granted when herself ’twould save.