Hamete Ali

Hamete Ali on his way toward the city goes,
His tunic is a brilliant green with stripes of crimson rose,
In sign that no despondency this daring wanderer knows.
His arm, that wears the twisted steel, reflects the sunlight sheen,
And bound to it by many a knot is hung his hood of green.
And o'er his bonnet azure-blue, two feathery plumes there fly;
The one is green as the summer and one is blue as sky.
He does not wear these hues to show that he is passion's slave,
They are emblems of the life that beats within his bosom brave.
Yet dusky is his lance's hue and dusky is his shield,
On which are serpents scattered upon a golden field.
Their venomed tongues are quivering and ears before them stand,
To show how slanderous hearts can spread their poison o'er the land.
A lettered motto in the midst which everyone may read,
Is written in Arabian script, ah! good that all should heed!
"'Tis naught but innocence of heart can save me from the blow
With which the slanderous serpents would lay their victim low."
Upon a piebald colt he rode along the valley's side,
The bravest of the valiant Moors and once Granada's pride.
In furious rage descending from bold Ubeda's steep,
He crossed the vale and mounted to Baza's castle keep.
Defiant still of Fortune's power, his thoughts at last found vent,
For Fortune had been cruel, and in words of discontent,
As if he blamed the serpent upon his shield displayed,
The torrent of his heart broke forth and in wrath the warrior said:
"O wasters of the brightest hope I knew in years long past!
O clouds by which the blazing sun of bliss is overcast!
O blight of love, O ruin of aspirations pure!
Vile worms, that gnaw and waste away the treasures most secure!
Attempt no more to banish me from my own native land,
That in my place of honor ye, envious slaves, may stand;
I, too, have friends, whose swords are keen, whose love is strong and
leal.
To them I look for my defence by stratagem or steel.
And, Fortune, do thy worst; it is not meant,
By Allah, that his knight should die in banishment.

"Permit it not that in the generous breasts of those whose blood
Flows in my veins, who by my side as faithful champions stood,
Those cursed asps, whose effigies my shield's circumference fill,
Could plant the thoughts of villany by which they work me ill.
Just heaven forbids their words should blot the honor of my name,
For pure and faithful is my heart, howe'er my foes defame;
And Zaida, lovely Zaida, at a word that did me wrong,
Would close her ears in scornful ire and curse the slanderous tongue.
And, Fortune, do thy worst; it is not meant,
By Allah, that his knight should die in banishment.

"Nay, Fortune, turn no more thy wheel, I care not that it rest,
Nor bid thee draw the nail that makes it stand at man's behest
Oh, may I never say to thee, when for thy aid I call,
Let me attain the height of bliss whate'er may be my fall!
And when I roam from those I love, may never cloud arise
To dim my hope of a return and hide me from their eyes.
Yet doubtless, 'tis the absent are oftenest forgot,
Till those who loved when they were near in absence love them not.
And, Fortune, do thy worst; it is not meant,
By Allah, that his knight should die in banishment.

"And since 'tis my unhappy lot, through slander's cruel wiles,
I should be robbed so many years of Zaida's cheering smiles,
Yet those who say that I am false, and name Celinda's name,
Oh, may they gain no end at length but obloquy and shame!
It is not just that to these words and to these anxious fears,
These wild complaints, the god of love should close his heedless ears!
Yes, I deserve a better fate, the fate that makes more sure;
The fame of those whose slanderous tongue in banishment endure.
And, Fortune, do thy worst; it is not meant,
By Allah, that his knight should die in banishment."

He spoke, and, lo! before him he saw the city stand,
With walls and towers that frowned in might upon that fertile land.
And he saw the glittering banners of Almanzor set on high,
And swaying in the gentle breeze that filled the summer sky.
And those who stood upon the walls, soon as he came in sight,
Streamed forth from the portcullis with welcome for the knight,
For they marvelled at the prancing steed that rushed across the plain,
They marvelled at his thundering voice and words of deep disdain.
And, Fortune, do thy worst; it is not meant,
By Allah, that his knight should die in banishment.

And as he rode into the town and galloped to the square,
Upon the balconies he saw bright dames with faces bare;
They stood, they gazed with eyes of love and gestures of delight,
For they joyed to see among them so stout, so fair a knight.
And all of Baza's people with cries his coming greet,
And follow at his horse's tail from street to crowded street.
His heart with gratitude was filled, his bosom filled with pride,
And with doffed bonnet, lo, he bowed and once again he cried:
"And, Fortune, do thy worst; it is not meant,
By Allah, that his knight should die in banishment."

They led him to the warden's house, and there was feasting high.
Brave men and beauteous women in crowds were standing by.
The trumpets blew in merry strain, the Moorish horns resound,
And the strain of joy was echoed from every castle round.
And from his colt dismounting he laid his lance aside,
And greeted all the multitude that filled the plaza wide.
Then to the strong tower of the place he hurried from the street,
And as he went a thousand times his lips would still repeat:
"And, Fortune, do thy worst; it is not meant,
By Allah, that his knight should die in banishment."