Two nights we friendly camped together,

And on the third they sudden left

With them.... her daughter left behind,

Marie escaped to pleasures new.

I sleeping was, and when dawn broke,

And I arose, I found her not!

I called.... in vain - no answer came!

Many a day poor Zemphire pined,

And wept; my tears I joined with hers.

But from that day my heart grew cold,

Unstirred by maiden's wiles or charms;

Nor have I sought a mate to share

My lot; but all alone have passed,

Resigned, the cheating hours of life.

ALEKO.

And wherefore didst thou not at once

Pursue the faithless perjured pair,

And plunge thy dagger in the heart

Of robber and his paramour?

OLD MAN.

But why? Youth is free, free as a bird.

Who has strength to curb the flight of love?

To each one day of joy is sent;

And what has been can ne'er return.

ALEKO.

Mine not the nature to forego

My right without a struggle fierce,

Be robbed the joy of sweet revenge.

Nay, if on brink of ocean cliff

I found my hated foe asleep,

I swear, I should not think to spare

His life, but with my foot would toss

O'er edge of cliff his helpless trunk,