198
SIEGE OF VALENCIA.
And in his arms, and follow'd by his hosts
Of shadowy spearmen!—He had left the world
From which we are dimly parted, and gone forth,
And call'd his buried warriors from their sleep,
Gathering them round him to deliver Spain;
For Afric was upon her!—Morning broke—
Day rush'd through clouds of battle;—but at eve
Our God had triumph'd, and the rescued land
Sent up a shout of victory from the field,
That rock'd her ancient mountains.
THE CITIZENS.
On to our chief!—We have strength within us yet
To die with our blood roused!—Now, be the word,
For the Cid's house!
[They begin to arm themselves.
XIMENA.
The old rude strain wherewith his bands went forth
To strike down Paynim swords!
(She sings)
