Shorter Pieces of Arabian Poetry: To Leila

LEILA, with too successful art, Has spread for me Love's cruel snare; And now, when she has caught my heart, She laughs, and leaves it to despair. Thus the poor sparrow pants for breath, Held captive by a playful boy; And while it drinks the draught of death, The thoughtless child looks on with joy. Ah! were its fluttering pinions free, Soon would it bid its chains adieu; Or did the child its sufferings see, He'd pity and relieve them too.