The praise of later champions. Wouldst thou hear
The war-song of thine ancestor, the Cid?
GONZALEZ.
Such as might rescue kingdoms! Speak of him!
We are his children! They that can look back
I' th' annals of their house on such a name,
How should they take dishonour by the hand,
And o'er the threshold of their father's halls
First lead her as a guest?
ELMINA.
How my heart sinks!
GONZALEZ.
Daughter of heroes!—thine inheritance
Is strength to meet all conflicts. Thou canst number
In thy long line of glorious ancestry
Men, the bright offering of whose blood hath made
The ground it bathed e'en as an altar, whence
High thoughts shall rise for ever. Bore they not,
Midst flame and sword, their witness of the Cross,
With its victorious inspiration girt
As with a conqueror's robe, till th' infidel
