Cycle showing <pre><code> code as a slide!

Cycle showing <pre><code> code as a slide!

I know I'm doing something wrong - but I'm very rusty on javascript - so I can't see the problem.
The code executes nicely in the site and the pictures/text show up where and how they should - It's just that I'm also getting some code as a slide!

In the <head> I have:

<script type="text/javascript">
$.fn.cycle.defaults.timeout = 8000;
$(function() {
    $('#contentLeft pre code').each(function() {
        eval($(this).text());
    }); })

</script>

In the site HTML portion:

<div id="contentLeft">
                <div id="media1">
                 {{message1}}  // This is a MODx call to the text/picture code.
                 </div>
        </div>

And the text/picture code ( loaded by {{message1}}  )
            <div>
                <img src="http://cloud.github.com/downloads/malsup/cycle/beach1.jpg" width="165" height="100" />
                <p>St Andrews State Park - Panama City, FL</p>
                <p>This park is one of the most popular outdoor recreation spots
                in Florida.
                </p>
            </div>
            <div>
                <img src="http://cloud.github.com/downloads/malsup/cycle/beach2.jpg" width="165" height="100" />
                <p>Located in the Florida panhandle, the 1,260 acre park is situated on a scenic peninsula
                and is well known for its sugar white sands and brilliant blue water.
                </p>

            </div>
            <div>
                <img src="http://cloud.github.com/downloads/malsup/cycle/beach3.jpg" width="165" height="100" />
                <p>The ocean provides opportunity for endless fun.  From boogie boarding to snorkeling
                to  swimming and boating, there is always something to do.</p>
            </div>
           
<pre><code>$('#media1').cycle({
    fx:     'scrollUp',
    timeout: 6000,
    delay:  -2000
});</code></pre>

This portion is showing up as a slide:
$('#media1').cycle({
    fx:     'scrollUp',
    timeout: 6000,
    delay:  -2000
});

I'll appreciate any help I can get.
Cheers,
HalD