Page:The Siege of Valencia.pdf/180

I do but shake my spirit from its height
So startling it with hope!—But the dread hour
Shall be met bravely still. I can keep down
Yet for a little while—and Heaven will ask
No more—the passionate workings of my heart;
—And thine—Elmina?

ELMINA.

⁠'Tis—I am prepared.

I have prepared for all.

GONZALEZ

⁠Oh, well I knew

Thou wouldst not fail me!—Not in vain my soul,
Upon thy faith and courage, hath built up
Unshaken trust.

ELMINA (wildly).

⁠Away!—thou know'st me not!

Man dares too far, his rashness would invest
This our mortality with an attribute
Too high and awful, boasting that he knows
One human heart!

GONZALEZ.

⁠These are wild words, but yet

I will not doubt thee!—Hast thou not been found
Noble in all things, pouring thy soul's light