Meanwhile OSMIDA, in amazement lost,
Beheld herself unchain'd, and yet not free.
Those who had held her pris'ner, she saw slain;
But who are these, who risk, thus gallantly,
Their lives for her and the dethroned King?
Perchance new masters; perhaps again they're slaves.
Scarce had this question, in her whirl of thought,
Had time to firm itself, ere at her side
She saw the noble ARLOS. — Hence! vain fears.
The magic touch of hope her bosom swell'd,
And confidence chac'd ev'ry doubt away.
Raising the snowy veil which hid her face,
She beam'd a smile upon the loyal Knight,
That in his mind o'erpaid ten thousand dangers.
Fly, my best ARLOS! said the charming maid,
(As at her feet he knelt) and save the King!
See where he sits, unarm'd, amidst his foes!
Were  in safety, all my thoughts were peace.
The Knight up-springing, staid not to reply,
But instant hors'd, spurr'd onward to his troop:
His troop he join'd, but not till the rich prize
He flew to save, was ravish'd from his hopes.
Three of the band he instantly dispatch'd,
To stop the progress of the flying
The few remaining  urg'd by despair,
Still madly fought, preferring present death
To the slow tortures, which they knew their Tyrant
Would fail not to inflict, on those who lost
The beauteous object of his brutal love.
Their wish they soon receiv'd, and their freed spirits
Sought the eternal shores. The Princess now
Remain'd sole object of the cares of ARLOS.
With eager speed he sought the trembling maid,
Who saw her Parent borne o'er distant wilds,
And in that sight lost ev'ry new-born comfort.
Her tears bedew'd the senseless earth; her cries
Rent Heaven, and her unconscious feet mov'd quick
Towards the course, in which she saw her Father.
ARLOS, in soothing terms, implor'd the fair-one
To moderate her grief. Doubtless, he cried,
The gallant youths, who now pursue the
Will not pursue the flying slave in vain.
They know the mazy roads — each devious path,
Each secret turning — and will meet the villain
When least he can suspect his danger. Now,
Sweet Princess! to my castle let me lead you.
There, if not happier, yet at least securely
Your tears you may indulge, and feed your sorrows.