SIEGE OF VALENCIA.
221
ELMINA.
And pass'd away to rest.—Behold her there,
Even such as death hath made her!8[1]
GONZALEZ (bending over XIMENA's body).
A little while before me, oh, my child!
Why should the traveller weep to part with those
That scarce an hour will reach their promised land
Ere he too cast his pilgrim staff away,
And spread his couch beside them?
ELMINA.
Henceforth enough that once a thing so fair
Had its bright place amongst us?—Is this all,
Left for the years to come?—We will not stay!
Earth's chain each hour grows weaker.
GONZALEZ (still gazing upon XIMENA).
To slumber in the shadow, blessed child!
Of a yet stainless altar, and beside
A sainted warrior's tomb!—Oh, fitting place
For thee to yield thy pure heroic soul
