Page:The Fall of the Alamo.djvu/210

 Enters Crockett. The bombardment, preceding the assault, is just then beginning. [Remains standing at the door.] Where linger'st thou, Commander? Even now The foe begins the thundering ouverture Wherewith he opes our tragedy's last act; He'll not be slow in adding the finale. How long before we may expect their coming? They will be here in less than half an hour. Are all our men well-stationed, say? They are. Ranged in a semi-circle round the breach, And sheltered well 'gainst shot and shell, they bide Impatiently the enemy's approach. 'T is well, my friend! And therefore I beseech thee To spare me still five minutes of thy life, And to attend my wedding as my groomsman.