Page:The Fall of the Alamo.djvu/50

 Inform the jailer that I wish to see The prisoner, William Travis, led before me. [Exit soldier.] Leave us alone now, child, and rest convinced. That day and night my every thought will aim Thy welfare to promote. My love shall yet Prepare for thee a radiant sky of life. E'en though light clouds obscure it now. Good night. [He kisses Elsie's forehead. Elsie leaves the room with signs of great despondency]

Bradbun at first alone. Afterwards Travis.

A new embarrassment! When will they cease? As if conjured by some magician's wand, Who bears me ill, so from the ground they start And try to block my way to peace and rest. But triumph not too soon, ye cruel powers! As sailors throw the deck-load over-board To save their battered ship from total wreck, So shall not scruples, hitherto revered, Nor principles, observed till now, debar me From the reward of my laborious life. This rising spectre of my daughter's love For that rebellious upstart must be crushed,