Page:The Siege of Valencia.pdf/205

Scene—The Walls of the City. The Plain beneath, with
the Moorish Camp and Army.

Gonzalez, Garcias, Hernandez.

(A wild Sound of Moorish Music heard from below).

HERNANDEZ.

What notes are these in their deep mournfulness

So strangely wild?

GARCIAS.

'Tis the shrill melody

Of the Moor's ancient death-song. Well I know
The rude barbaric sound; but, till this hour,
It seem'd not fearful.—Now, a shuddering chill
Comes o'er me with its tones.—Lo! from yon tent
They lead the noble boys!

HERNANDEZ.

The young, and pure,

And beautiful victims!—'Tis on things like these
We cast our hearts in wild idolatry,
Sowing the winds with hope!—Yet this is well.
Thus brightly crown'd with life's most gorgeous flowers,