Page:The Fall of the Alamo.djvu/173

 How e'en the tiny worm is given a sting For sore distress, a weapon of defence, Which, weak and harmless though it even be, Kind Nature's hand, protectress of us all. Will help him aim and guide with deadly dart 'Gainst the Achilles-heel of his tormentor— [As above.] Thou knowest, tyrant? No, thou knowest , How Faith and lamb-like Patience meekly bow To every hardship, every sacrifice, Enduring pangs of body and of soul, But also rise with more than giant's strength, With all-regardless, all-renouncing power, When, outraged in their holy sanctuary, Their feelings blend in one impassionate flame— [As above] Thou knowest. tyrant? No, thou knowest , How woman, tender woman, under tears, Shed in her closet's silence, under prayers, O'erheard by none save God, will long defer To break the hallowed peace of her reserve, To lay her bosom's tender feelings ope To chilly blasts of worldly sneer and scorn, But when at last confronted by the choice. The fiendish choice, 'twixt virtue and disgrace, Will fling aside the fetters of her doubts, Shake off the shackles of her self-restraint.