Page:The Vespers of Palermo.pdf/102



E'en now, 'tis said, The hostile bands approach. (The sound is heard gradually drawing nearer.

Again!—that sound Was no illusion. Nearer yet it swells— They come, they come!

The foe is at your gates; But hearts and hands prepared shall meet his onset: Why are ye loitering here?

My lord, we came——

Think ye I know not wherefore?—'twas to see A fellow-being die!—Ay, 'tis a sight Man loves to look on, and the tenderest hearts Recoil, and yet withdraw not, from the scene. For this ye came—What! is our nature fierce, Or is there that in mortal agony, From which the soul, exulting in its strength, Doth learn immortal lessons?—Hence, and arm! Ere the night dews descend, ye will have seen Enough of death; for this must be a day Of battle!—'Tis the hour which troubled souls Delight in, for its rushing storms are wings Which bear them up!—Arm, arm! 'tis for your homes, And all that lends them loveliness—Away! [Exeunt.