ZAIDA'S JEALOUSY.

Kind friend of Bencerraje's line, what judgment dost thou hold

Of all that Zaida's changeful moods before thine eyes unfold?

Now by my life I swear that she to all would yield her will;

Yet by my death I swear that she to all is recreant still.

Come near, my friend, and listen while I show to you this note,

Which to the lovely lady in bitter grief I wrote;

Repeat not what I read to thee, for 'twere a deadly shame,

Since thou her face admirest, should slander smirch her name:

"O Moorish maiden, who like time, forever on the wing,