[Abd-el-Kadr was an Arab Chief of Algiers who resisted the French in 1833.]
I.
As I ride, as I ride, With a full heart for my guide, So its tide rocks my side, As I ride, as I ride, That, as I were double-eyed, He, in whom our Tribes confide, Is descried, ways untried As I ride, as I ride.
II.
As I ride, as I ride To our Chief and his Allied, Who dares chide my heart's pride As I ride, as I ride?
Or are witnesses denied---Through the desert waste and wide Do I glide unespied As I ride, as I ride?
III.
As I ride, as I ride, When an inner voice has cried, The sands slide, nor abide (As I ride, as I ride)O'er each visioned homicide That came vaunting (has he lied?)To reside---where he died, As I ride, as I ride.
IV.
As I ride, as I ride, Ne'er has spur my swift horse plied, Yet his hide, streaked and pied, As I ride, as I ride, Shows where sweat has sprung and dried, ---Zebra-footed, ostrich-thighed---How has vied stride with stride As I ride, as I ride!
V.
As I ride, as I ride, Could I loose what Fate has tied, Ere I pried, she should hide (As I ride, as I ride)All that's meant me---satisfied When the Prophet and the Bride Stop veins I'd have subside As I ride, as I ride!
