SIEGE OF VALENCIA.
105
When Heaven lets loose the storms that chasten realms
—Who speaks of rest?
XIMENA.
The wine-cup for thy lips, or bring the lute
Whose sounds thou lovest?
GONZALEZ.
To rouse a spirit, which in triumphant scorn
May cast off nature's feebleness, and hold
Its proud career unshackled, dashing down
Tears and fond thoughts to earth; give voice to those!
I have need of such, Ximena! we must hear
No melting music now.
XIMENA.
Heroic ditties of the elder time,
Sung by the mountain-Christians1[1] in the holds
Of th' everlasting hills, whose snows yet bear
The print of Freedom's step; and all wild strains
Wherein the dark serranos*[2] teach the rocks
And the pine forests deeply to resound