Page:The Fall of the Alamo.djvu/241

 I gazed upon his hateful countenance, Each raking pain I felt in limb and heart, Each sneer engraven on my memory, Was blended in one single thought and feeling, One single wish and joy:—Revenge! E'en then I had unsheathed his sword—e'en then I held the glittering blade high in the air,— E'en then I nerved me for the wieldy blow,— E'en then the arch-fiend's life hung by a thread,— When seemed an unseen hand to check my arm, While rang a soothing voice into my ear That spake: "Give him to me! I, Freedom, will Avenge thee through the liberty of Texas!" I heard, I thought, I turned, I came away. Has one of you to show a claim like potent On Freedom, I will waive my own; for wealth And even life cannot compete with it. Yet even these I gladly will forego: My wealth to those impoverished through this war, My life to God, when in the fight I fall. All that I feel and am so laid aside, I am prepared to join my friends above, And soar a happy spirit o'er the land I helped to ransom from the tyrant's yoke. My heart is turned: I fain resign my right; What say, ye, comrades, shall we wait or fight?