Page:The Fall of the Alamo.djvu/234

 [With exultation.] As falls this yoke, forced on the river's brow, So shall the yoke of tyranny be severed That weighed so heavily upon this land, Proclaim, ye beams, wherever ye may fare. Proclaim, ye rafters, swimming to the sea, That also ye have done your humble share To set one people more at liberty. You fitly oped the tragedy's prelude, Which now our weapons bravely shall conclude. [Exeunt.] General Sam, Houston's tent. Gen. Houston, Gen. Burleson, Texan officers. I have now laid before you, Gentlemen, The grounds wherefore I deem it wise to act On the defensive, and to fight our foes Before our lines, than rather to attack Their far superior numbers in the field. Speak thy opinion, Burleson, and state What thou deem'st prudent for the good of all. Time, master of us all, is just as potent