Page:Modern poets and poetry of Spain.djvu/206

160 Of thy own lofty Gades, which avow

Thy strength, though fate them now awhile appals;

Which though affrighted, blushing in their shame,

As bathing them around the waves extend,

Yet loud thy sons' heroic deeds proclaim,

Far on the sounding billows they defend.

From the proud castled poop that crowns his high

Indomitable ship, the Briton round

Look'd, on his power and glory to rely,

And boastful cried, "Companions renown'd!

See, there they come: new trophies to attain

Wait your unconquer'd arms; the feeble pines

That Spain prepares for her defence in vain:

Fate from our yoke exemption none assigns.

We are the sons of Neptune. Do they dare

To plough the waves before us? Call to mind

Aboukir's memorable day! to share

Another such a triumph: let us find

One moment as sufficing us to come,

To conquer, and destroy them. Grant it me,

Kind fate! and let us crown'd with laurels home

Our wealthy Thames again returning see."

He spoke, and spread his sails. With swimming prows

Opening the waves, they follow him elate,