midnight
This monstrous rodomontade is here related , because it seems better adapted to illustrate the subject of the present observations than any other instance which could be adduced . In many parts of Greece it is considered as a sort of punishment after death , for some heinous crime committed whilst in existence , that the deceased is not only doomed to vampyrise , but compelled to confine his infernal visitations solely to those beings he loved most while upon earth -- those to whom he was bound by ties of kindred and affection . -- A supposition alluded to in the `` Giaour . '' But first on earth , as Vampyre sent , Thy corse shall from its tomb be rent ; Then ghastly haunt the native place , And suck the blood of all thy race ; There from thy daughter , sister , wife , At midnight drain the stream of life ; Yet loathe the banquet which perforce Must feed thy livid living corse , Thy victims , ere they yet expire , Shall know the demon for their sire ; As cursing thee , thou cursing them , Thy flowers are withered on the stem . But one that for thy crime must fall , The youngest , best beloved of all , Shall bless thee with a father 's name -- That word shall wrap thy heart in flame ! Yet thou must end thy task and mark Her cheek 's last tinge -- her eye 's last spark , And the last glassy glance must view Which freezes o'er its lifeless blue ; Then with unhallowed hand shall tear The tresses of her yellow hair , Of which , in life a lock when shorn Affection 's fondest pledge was worn -- But now is borne away by thee Memorial of thine agony ! Yet with thine own best blood shall drip ; Thy gnashing tooth , and haggard lip ; Then stalking to thy sullen grave , Go -- and with Gouls and Afrits rave , Till these in horror shrink away From spectre more accursed than they .