Page:The Siege of Valencia.pdf/133

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Therefore be firm, be patient!—There is strength, And a fierce instinct, e'en in common souls, To bear up manhood with a stormy joy, When red swords meet in lightning!—But our task Is more, and nobler!—We have to endure, And to keep watch, and to arouse a land, And to defend an altar!—If we fall, So that our blood make but the millionth part Of Spain's great ransom, we may count it joy To die upon her bosom, and beneath The banner of her faith!—Think but on this, And gird your hearts with silent fortitude, Suffering, yet hoping all things—Fare ye well.

Father, farewell.[Exeunt and his followers.

These men have earthly ties And bondage on their natures!—To the cause Of God, and Spain's revenge, they bring but half Their energies and hopes. But he whom Heaven Hath call'd to be th' awakener of a land, Should have his soul's affections all absorb'd In that majestic purpose, and press on To its fulfilment, as a mountain-born And mighty stream, with all its vassal-rills