Page:The Improvisatrice.pdf/291

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INEZ.
279



    Deadly has been the fight to-day;
But now the infidels give way,
And cimetar and turbaned band
Scatter before the foeman's hand;
And in the rear, with sword and spur,
Follows the Christian conqueror.
And one dark chief rides first of all—
A warrior at his festival—
Chasing his prey, till none are near
To aid the single soldier's spear,
Save one slight boy. Of those who flew,
Three turn, the combat to renew:
They fly, but death is on the field—
That Page's breast was Juan's shield.
He bore the boy where, in the shade
Of the green palm, a fountain made