Page:The Siege of Valencia.pdf/228

224

In one brief hour, all gone!—and such a death! —I see their blood gush forth!—their graceful heads— —Take the dark vision from me, oh, my God! And such a death for them!—I was not there! They were but mine in beauty and in joy, Not in that mortal anguish!—All, all gone! —Why should I struggle more?—What is this Power, Against whose might, on all sides pressing us, We strive with fierce impatience, which but lays Our own frail spirits prostrate? Now I know Thy hand, my God!—and they are soonest crush'd That most withstand it!—I resist no more. (She rises).—A light, a light springs up from grief and death, Which with its solemn radiance doth reveal Why we have thus been tried!

Then I may still Fix my last look on thee, in holy love, Parting, but yet with hope!