As in the Caliph and his Captain’s mind
Affect the opinion of my well-tried truth.
The tidings which thou givest me of my child
Touch me more vitally; bad though they be,
A secret apprehension of aught worse
Makes me with joy receive them.
Then the Count
To Abulcacem turn’d his speech, and said,
I pray thee, Chief, give me a messenger
By whom I may to this unhappy child