Page:The Siege of Valencia.pdf/131

Rh

And I beheld the meeting and the shock Of those wild hosts i' th' air, when, as they closed, A red and sultry mist, like that which mantles The thunder's path, fell o'er them. Then were flung Thro' the dull glare, broad cloudy banners forth, And chariots seem'd to whirl, and steeds to sink, Bearing down crested warriors. But all this Was dim and shadowy;—then swift darkness rush'd Down on th' unearthly battle, as the deep Swept o'er the Egyptian's armament.—I look'd— And all that fiery field of plumes and spears Was blotted from heaven's face!—I look'd again— And from the brooding mass of cloud leap'd forth One meteor-sword, which o'er the reddening sea Shook with strange motion, such as earthquakes give Unto a rocking citadel!—I beheld, And yet my spirit sunk not.

Neither deem That mine hath blench'd.—But these are sights and sounds To awe the firmest.—Know'st thou what we hear At midnight from the walls?—Were 't but the deep Barbaric horn, or Moorish tambour's peal, Thence might the warrior's heart catch impulses,