Page:The Siege of Valencia.pdf/127

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Once thro' your home re-echoing, and the clasp Of twining arms, and all the joyous light Of eyes that laugh'd with youth, and made your board A place of sunshine;—When those days are come, Then, in your utter desolation, turn To the cold world, the smiling, faithless world, Which hath swept past you long, and bid it quench Your soul's deep thirst with fame! immortal fame! Fame to the sick of heart!—a gorgeous robe, A crown of victory, unto him that dies I' th' burning waste, for water!

This from thee! Now the last drop of bitterness is pour'd. Elmina—I forgive thee! [Exit Aid me, Heaven! From whom alone is power!—Oh! thou hast set Duties, so stern of aspect, in my path, They almost, to my startled gaze, assume The hue of things less hallow'd! Men have sunk Unblamed beneath such trials!—Doth not He Who made us know the limits of our strength? My wife! my sons!—Away! I must not pause To give my heart one moment's mastery thus! [Exit