But William Travis, father, I feel bound
With all that is within me to defend.
Bradburn.
And knowest thou, my daughter, him so well?
Elsie.
That thou wilt lightly from my pleading tell.
I claim for Travis no unusual dower;
No talent's gift, no learned wisdom's power,
No eloquence, no spell of wit are his.
But what he owns in fullest scope, is this:
An honest heart within a noble breast,
A harmony of truth that lies exprest
O'er soul and body, over thought and deed.
Whose blended charm the blindest eye can read.
His gait and stature, manly and erect,
A character of moral strength reflect;
His eye, clear as the sapphire firmament,
Bespeaks his bosom's tender sentiment.
His vaulted brow betokens ardent zeal
For Mankind's highest interest and weal,
And all these virtues,—wouldst thou know, from whence
They spring?—it is his faith in Providence!
Bradburn.
I cannot err,—Elsie! thou lovest him!
Elsie.
Father, I do! My heart resistlessly
