I 'll bring you safe to your convent home.'

She started, into my face she gazed;

Said she, 'I'll trust you—the Lord be praised!'

"I very quickly the cords unbound.

She rose; I led her without a sound

Between the rows of the sleeping men,

Till we left the camp behind; and then

I found my horse, that was tied near by.

The woman mounted, and she and I

Set off in haste, through the midnight shade,

On the wildest journey I ever made!

By wood and thicket the horse I led,

And over a torrent's stony bed,—

For along the road I dared not go,

For fear that the others our flight should know,

And follow after; the woman prayed.

I, quick and cautious, but not afraid,

Went first, with the stars for guide, until

We saw the convent, high on a hill.

We reached the door as the east grew red.

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