Page:The Fall of the Alamo.djvu/138

 What terrible decision!—yet I must! Oh, Elsie ! had I listed but to thee! [Hopefully.] Maybe that all may yet turn for the best; That Santa Anna may be moved to truth Through me, as I was through my hero-brethren, Or, that returning my sincerity By generosity, he will allow me Hence to depart. [Resolutely.] Still were no less than death To be the expiation of my wayward course, I shall not flinch nor beg, but solace me With that grand sentence of the Irish patriot:

"Whether on the gallows high,

Or in the battle's van.

The fittest place for man to die

Is, where he dies for man!" [Exit Bradburn.

Santa Anna's tent. Enters Santa Anna with despatches in his hand. Later Frado; still later, Almonte. My scouts inform me, that the band of rebels Assembled on the Colorado's banks Is waxing stronger every day, and threatens To hasten to the Alamo's relief.