Page:The Fall of the Alamo.djvu/59

 To seek my garden-arbor, there to muse, And weep and pray, when suddenly there sprang Armed men from every bush and every shrub. Rushed o'er the little bridge I had let down, And scaled the walls, while I remained their captive. Who served as welcome hostage in their hands.

Thou knew'st then nought beforehand of their coming? Thou wast then not the guide who led them here?

Unconsciously,—I see it now,—I served As means through which thou hast regained thy freedom.

My erring mind, dear Elsie, just ascribed A heroine's glory to thy conscious deed. My seeing spirit must attribute now That higher crown to thee, an angel's halo! Oh! would thou couldst forever thus remain My intercessor with the powers of fate!

In spirit, yes! through daily, hourly prayer I'll be with thee as friendly genius, Though now our ways must part here, since my father Will henceforth more than ever need my aid.