CXIV. « To hear is to obey,» he said; « but still, Sultana, think upon the consequence: It is not that I shall not all fulfil Your orders, even in their severest sense; But such precipitation may end ill, Even at your own imperative expense: I do not mean destruction and exposure In case of any premature disclosure; CXV. « But your own feelings.-Even should all the rest Be hidden by the rolling waves, which hide Already many a once love-beaten breast Deep in the caverns of the deadly tideYou love this boyish, new seraglio guest, And if this violent remedy be tried— Excuse my freedom, when I here assure you, That killing him is not the way to cure you.»> CXVI. « What dost thou know of love or feeling?-wretch! Begone!» she cried, with kindling eyes-<< And do My bidding!» Baba vanished, for to stretch His own remonstrance further he well knew Might end in acting as his own « Jack Ketch;» And though he wished extremely to get through This awkward business without harm to others, He still preferred his own neck to another's. CXVII. Away he went then upon his commission, Their never knowing their own mind two days, The trouble that they gave, their immorality, Which made him daily bless his own neutrality. CXVIII. And then he called his brethren to his aid, CXIX. And here I leave them at their preparation Are things the turning of a hair or feather CXX. I leave them for the present with good wishes, Though doubts of their well doing, to arrange Another part of history; for the dishes Of this our banquet we must sometimes change: And trusting Juan may escape the fishes, Although his situation now seems strange And scarce secure, as such digressions are fair, The muse will take a little touch at warfare. TAN END OF CANTO VI. |