Page:The Siege of Valencia.pdf/237

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Thy servant in his need!—My blood and tears Have not sunk vainly to th' attesting earth! Praise to thee, thanks and praise, that I have lived To see this hour!

And I too bless thy name, Though thou hast proved me unto agony! Oh God!—Thou God of chastening!

They move on! I see the royal banner in the air, With its emblazon'd towers!

Go, bring ye forth The banner of the Cid, and plant it here, To stream above me, for an answering sign That the good cross doth hold its lofty place Within Valencia still!—What see ye now?

I see a kingdom's might upon its path, Moving, in terrible magnificence, Unto revenge and victory!—With the flash Of knightly swords, up-springing from the ranks, As meteors from a still and gloomy deep,