VII.
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Zuleika! child of Gentleness!How dear this very day must tell,When I forget my own distress,In losing what I love so well,To bid thee with another dwell:Another! and a braver manWas never seen in battle's van.We Moslem reck not much of blood: 200But yet the line of Carasman[134]Unchanged, unchangeable hath stoodFirst of the bold Timariot bandsThat won and well can keep their lands.[fn]Enough that he who comes to woo[fo]Is kinsman of the Bey Oglou:[135]His years need scarce a thought employ;I would not have thee wed a boy.And thou shalt have a noble dower:And his and my united power 210Will laugh to scorn the death-firman,Which others tremble but to scan,And teach the messenger[136] what fateThe bearer of such boon may wait.And now thou know'st thy father's will;All that thy sex hath need to know:'Twas mine to teach obedience still--The way to love, thy Lord may show."
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