Page:The Fall of the Alamo.djvu/33

 I would desert my father's side, as long As he continues in this baneful service, But watch, a guardian angel, over him, Till I behold his life-ship safely anchored Upon the roadstead of his native land. Alas! since then his headstrong will has lashed To still more furious haste and maddened run The fiery steeds that draw his chariot Which neither tears nor prayers of mine could stay Instead of hovering o'er his fate-doomed path As friendly and inspiring genius,— I self behold me dragged resistlessly With every moment farther from the start, Where left behind me lies the blooming wreath Of all my fondest hope and happiness; Where stand my friends in sorrow o'er my fate. But impotent to check my doomed career. So wretched must the exile feel, who leaning Against the vessel's bord, that bears him 'way Sees more and more his native country's coast Fade out of sight, till it is gone for ever.

Ah! it is so! and clearly now I see. How by my course I added to thy woe. The attitude, which I have here assumed, Of bold defiance to thy father's will Must even more embitter him and cause