Page:The Siege of Valencia.pdf/149

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Have but one earthly journey to perform, Why, on his pathway to the place of death, Aye, when the very axe is glistening cold Upon his dizzy sight, his pale, parch'd lip Implores a cup of water?—Why, the stroke Which trembles o'er him in itself shall bring Oblivion of all wants, yet who denies Nature's last prayer?—I tell thee that the thirst Which burns my spirit up is agony To be endured no more!—And I must look Upon my children's faces, I must hear Their voices, ere they perish!—But hath Heaven Decreed that they must perish?—Who shall say If in yon Moslem camp there beats no heart Which prayers and tears may melt?

There!—with the Moor! Let him fill up the measure of his guilt! —'Tis madness all!—How wouldst thou pass th' array Of armed foes?

Oh! free doth sorrow pass, Free and unquestion'd, through a suffering world!2