Page:Felicia Hemans in The Winter's Wreath 1831.pdf/11

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. What wouldst thou say?

. That which may scarce, in perilous times like these, Be said with safety. Hast thou looked within Those stately palaces? Were they but peopled With the high race of warlike nobles, once Their princely lords, think'st thou, good friend, that now They would be glittering with this hollow pomp, To greet a conqueror's entrance?

. Thou sayest well. None but a land forsaken of its chiefs, Had so been lost and won.

. The lot is cast; We have but to yield. Hush!—for some strangers come: Now, friends, beware.

. Did the King pass this way At morning, with his train?

. Aye, saw you not The long and rich procession?

[ enters with and ]

(to .) This should be The night of some high festival. E'en thus My royal city to the skies sent up From her illumined fanes and towers, a voice Of gladness, welcoming our first return From Afric's coast. Speak thou, Gonzalez, ask The cause of this rejoicing. To my heart Deep feelings rush, so mingled and so fast, My voice perchance might tremble.

. Citizens,