Page:Modern poets and poetry of Spain.djvu/203

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MANUEL JOSE QUINTANA.
157

When hush'd against thee is the hurricane,
To combat rough the generous intent.
But firmly and secure press forward on;
And hold in mind, when comes for strife the day,
That without constant, anxious toil, can none
Hope glory's palms to seize, and bear away.

At length thou comest; America salutes
Her benefactor, and at once her veins
The destined balm to purify deputes.
A further generous ardour then regains
Thy breast; and thou, obedient to the hand
Divine that leads thee, turn'st the sounding prow
Where Ganges rolls, and every Eastern land
The gift may take. The Southern Ocean now
Astonish'd sees thee, o'er her mighty breast
Untiring passing. Luzon thee admires,
Good always sowing on thy road impress'd:
And as it China's toilsome shore acquires,
Confucius from his tomb of honour'd fame,
If could his venerable form arise,
To see it in glad wonder might exclaim,
"'T was worthy of my virtue, this emprise!"

Right worthy was it of thee, mighty sage!

Worthy of that divine and highest light,