138
SIEGE OF VALENCIA.
HERNANDEZ.
Whose traces on man's aspect are not such
As the breeze leaves on water?—Lofty birth,
War, peril, power?—Affliction's hand is strong,
If it erase the haughty characters
They grave so deep!—I have not always been
That which I am. The name I bore is not
Of those which perish!—I was once a chief—
A warrior!—nor as now, a lonely man!
I was a father!
ELMINA.
Thou wilt have pity!
HERNANDEZ.
Thy sons will perish gloriously—their blood——
ELMINA.
Of casting down a wine-cup, in the mirth
And wantonness of feasting!—My fair boys!
—Man! hast thou been a father?
