Page:The Fall of the Alamo.djvu/123

 Have I a right, because I deem it right, Thus to dispose o'er weal and woe of thousands? And what perchance may be my own reward? A rash and unsuccessful rebel's fame, The school-boy's sneer, the tyrant's welcome proof? Oh ! where to find the right, the honest way That leads midway these cliffs of doubt and fear Into the haven of security? [He steps to the window through which, when opened by him, the light of the moon is thrown into the room. Gazing without, he continues:] Oh, peaceful Night! thou grateful balm of rest To sorrow-burdened hearts and weary eyes: So also pour thine blessings o'er my breast And soothe its throes, relieve its cares and sighs. Let me not falter in this grievous test, But make for me a polar-star arise, A beacon-light, to guide my darkened way And cheer my spirit by its blissful ray! [At this moment the hymn: "Abide with me!" intuned by the soldiers in the chapel, and accompanied by the organ, is faintly heard in the room. During the first verse Travis stands listening; when the second verse is begun, Travis, raising his arms to Heaven, speaks with the greatest ecstasy:] Oh, song of peace! soul-touching melody! That like a voice of God, like angels' strain, From heavenly realms comes floating down to me,