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Andrew Marvell

The Arab.

The interesting fact on which this ballad is founded, occurred to Mr. Davidson, the celebrated traveller, between Mount Sinai and Suez, on his overland return from India. He related the story to me shortly before his leaving England on his last fatal journey to Timbuctoo.

T HE noontide blaze on the desert fell, As the traveller reached the wished-for well; But vain was the hope that cheered him on, His hope in the desert--the waters--were gone.

Fainting, he called on the Holy Name, And swift o'er the desert an Arab came, And with him he brought of the blessed thing, That failed the poor traveller at the spring. "Drink!" said the Arab--"though I must fast, For half of my journey is not yet past, 'Tis long ere my home or my children I see, But the crystal treasure I'll share with thee." "Nay," said the weary one, "let me die- For thou hast even more need than I; And children hast thou that are watching for thee, And I am a lone one-none watch for me." "Drink!" said the Arab-"My children shall see Their father returning-fear not for me :- For He who hath sent me to thee this day, Will watch over me on my desert way."

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