Page:The Fall of the Alamo.djvu/130

 Court-yard of the Alamo, where the men composing the garrison of the Alamo are assembled. Travis., stepping before them, takes his position near the flag-staff.

My own heart's joy, too great for utterance, I see reflected in your faces, friends, Bespeaking radiant thoughts and glorious hopes Of all, that, best and highest, moves and thrills The human heart. For now we know for what We left our work, our homesteads and our friends, For what we seized our trusty arms, for what We gained this morning's glorious victory, And most of all, for what we give our lives. Now clearly feeling, seeing this, we seem Translated to some lofty mountain-peak, Earth's littleness far, far below our feet. While over us Heaven's uprolled azure-curtain Allows us glimpses into ampler realms. Such is the inspiration of a holy cause, That it removes the veil of mystery Which blinds our mortal eyes, distends our view, And renders us in broader sphere of spirit, Though yet on earth, akin to God our Maker. If from His threshold such transfiguring ray Is thrown on heroes, standing yet without,