Page:The Siege of Valencia.pdf/134

Sweeps proudly to the ocean, pausing not
To dally with the flowers.
Hark! What quick step
Comes hurrying through the gloom at this dead hour?

Elmina enters.

ELMINA.

Are not all hours as one to misery?—Why

Should she take note of time, for whom the day
And night have lost their blessed attributes
Of sunshine and repose?

HERNANDEZ.

I know thy griefs;

But there are trials for the noble heart
Wherein its own deep fountains must supply
All it can hope of comfort. Pity's voice
Comes with vain sweetness to th' unheeding ear
Of anguish, e'en as music heard afar
On the green shore, by him who perishes
Midst rocks and eddying waters.

ELMINA.

Think thou not

I sought thee but for pity. I am come
For that which grief is privileged to demand
With an imperious claim, from all whose form,