National Lyrics, and Songs for Music/The Zegri Maid

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II.

THE ZEGRI MAID.




The Zegris were one of the most illustrious Moorish tribes. Their exploits, and feuds with their celebrated rivals the Abencerrages, form the subject of many ancient Spanish romances.


II.

THE ZEGRI MAID.




The summer leaves were sighing,
    Around the Zegri maid,
To her low sad song replying
    As it fill'd the olive shade.
"Alas! for her that loveth
    Her land's, her kindred's foe!
Where a Christian Spaniard roveth,
    Should a Zegri's spirit go?

"From thy glance, my gentle mother!
    I sink, with shame oppress'd,
And the dark eye of my brother
    Is an arrow to my breast."

—Where summer leaves were sighing,
    Thus sang the Zegri maid,
While the crimson day was dying
    In the whispery olive shade.

"And for all this heart's wealth wasted,
    This woe, in secret borne,
This flower of young life blasted,
    Should I win back aught but scorn?
By aught but daily dying
    Would my lone truth be repaid?"
—Where the olive leaves were sighing,
    Thus sang the Zegri maid.