Vain were th'attempts of ARLOS, to dispel
The deep distress which seiz'd OSMIDA's heart.
The sweetest words, e'er fram'd by consolation,
Were spent upon the air. The young ELVERA,
Sister to ARLOS, lent her infant aid
To chear the royal guest; and with soft prattle,
— Kissing the drowning roses on her cheek,
Strove to divide her sorrow-fixt attention.
But, oh! her Father was a wretched captive:
What could abate the anguish of that thought?
In vain surrounding slaves watch'd ev'ry motion;
In vain the cielings rose on stately columns,
Forcing their grandeur on the awe-struck eye;
In vain the downy beds invited rest,
Beneath rich canopies imboss'd with gold.
Dearer the russet pillars of the forest,
Whose meeting branches canopied the earth
Where stood her lonely cot. Oh! dearer far
The humble couch on which her Father's head
Securely rested; where her ready hand
His pillow smooth'd, and filial cares excited
Sweeter slumbers! Who, now, will watch his sleep,
Or sooth his griefs to rest? Who waits his waking,
To cheer, with tender voice, the lengthen'd day?