Page:The Siege of Valencia.pdf/110

106

The praise of later champions. Wouldst thou hear The war-song of thine ancestor, the Cid?

Aye, speak of him; for in that name is power, Such as might rescue kingdoms! Speak of him! We are his children! They that can look back I' th' annals of their house on such a name, How should they take dishonour by the hand, And o'er the threshold of their father's halls First lead her as a guest?

Oh, why is this? How my heart sinks!

It must not fail thee yet, Daughter of heroes!—thine inheritance Is strength to meet all conflicts. Thou canst number In thy long line of glorious ancestry Men, the bright offering of whose blood hath made The ground it bathed e'en as an altar, whence High thoughts shall rise for ever. Bore they not, Midst flame and sword, their witness of the Cross, With its victorious inspiration girt As with a conqueror's robe, till th' infidel