XI.
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hus day by day did Absál tempt Salámán,And by and bye her Wiles began to work.Her Eyes Narcissus stole his sleep—their LashesPierc'd to his Heart—out from her Locks a SnakeBit him—and bitter, bitter on his TongueBecame the Memory of her honey Lip.He saw the Ringlet restless on her Cheek,And he too quiver'd with Desire; his TearsTurn'd Crimson from her Cheek, whose musky spotInfected all his soul with Melancholy.Love drew him from behind the Veil, where yetWithheld him better Resolution—"Oh, should the Food I long for, tasted, turnUnwholesome, and if all my Life to comeShould sicken from one momentary Sweet!" On the Sea-shore sat a Raven,Blind, and from the bitter CisternForc'd his only Drink to draw.Suddenly the PelicanFlying over Fortune's ShadowCast upon his Head, and calling—"Come, poor Son of Salt, and taste ofSweet, sweet Water from my Maw."Said the Raven, "If I taste itOnce, the Salt I have to live onMay for ever turn to Loathing;And I sit a Bird accurstUpon the Shore to die of Thirst."
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