Page:The Siege of Valencia.pdf/112

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Elmina, still they live.

But captives!—They Whom my fond heart had imaged to itself Bounding from cliff to cliff amidst the wilds Where the rock-eagle seen'd not more secure In its rejoicing freedom!—And my boys Are captives with the Moor!—Oh! how was this?

Alas! our brave Alphonso, in the pride Of boyish daring, left our mountain-halls, With his young brother, eager to behold The face of noble war. Thence on their way Were the rash wanderers captured.

'Tis enough. —And when shall they be ransom'd?

There is ask'd A ransom far too high.

What! have we wealth Which might redeem a monarch, and our sons The while wear fetters?—Take thou all for them,