Page:The Fall of the Alamo.djvu/88

 Once more, to learn that thou must conquer it.

Enough; lead him away and try the lash Full twenty times on him to test his strength.

That, tyrant, thou canst test immediately. [He leaps with the fierceness of a tiger at Santa Anna whose throat he seizes with both hands.]

[Gasping for breath] Tear him away from me; he strangles me. [The officers pull Travis away, and form a line between him and Santa Anna, who has fallen into his arm-chair from exhaustion.]

[Rising to his full height.] Behold! as has a feeble youngster's hand Laid weak and low that mighty tyrant lord. So lightly shall our patriots' little band O'ercome his hosts and break his yoke abhorred.

[Addressing Santa Anna.] Speak but the word and we cut him to pieces.