Have but one earthly journey to perform,
Why, on his pathway to the place of death,
Aye, when the very axe is glistening cold
Upon his dizzy sight, his pale, parch'd lip
Implores a cup of water?—Why, the stroke
Which trembles o'er him in itself shall bring
Oblivion of all wants, yet who denies
Nature's last prayer?—I tell thee that the thirst
Which burns my spirit up is agony
To be endured no more!—And I must look
Upon my children's faces, I must hear
Their voices, ere they perish!—But hath Heaven
Decreed that they must perish?—Who shall say
If in yon Moslem camp there beats no heart
Which prayers and tears may melt?
HERNANDEZ.
Let him fill up the measure of his guilt!
—'Tis madness all!—How wouldst thou pass th' array
Of armed foes?
ELMINA.
Free and unquestion'd, through a suffering world!2[1]
L
