Page:The Fall of the Alamo.djvu/96

 The spark of boldness lightly grows a flame. I should not have employed that man; it may Yet turn against me. Is it then so true: We think we rule, while we ourselves are ruled?

Enters Elsie Bradburn.

Miss Elsie Bradburn? Happy I must call The cause that led your footsteps to this tent, For, ah! a soldier's rude and changeful life Lets him too oft, too easily forget Those milder feelings, gentler traits of heart Which woman's beneficial influence Begets and fosters in society. 'Tis hence, indeed, a blessing, when the spell Of woman's presence melts at times the ice. Wherewith war's chilly blast incrusts our hearts.

The flattering praise by which Your Excellency Deign to extol our earthly mission's purport Most happ'ly lightens the anxiety Of my request, whose worthy utterance Would otherwise have sorely tried my lips. I crave the leave of nursing and attending The youth on whom an evil fate has laid The double weight of prison and disease.