National Lyrics, and Songs for Music/There are sounds in the Dark Roncesvalles

by Felicia Hemans

For other versions of this work, see There are sounds in the dark Roncesvalles.

X.

THERE ARE SOUNDS IN THE DARK RONCESVALLES.

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There are sounds in the dark Roncesvalles,
    There are echoes on Biscay's wild shore;
There are murmurs—but not of the torrent,
    Nor the wind, nor the pine-forest's roar.

'Tis a day of the spear and the banner,
    Of armings and hurried farewells;
Rise, rise on your mountains, ye Spaniards!
    Or start from your old battle-dells.

There are streams of unconquer'd Asturias,
    That have roll'd with your father's free blood;
Oh! leave on the graves of the mighty,
    Proud marks where their children have stood!