Page:The Siege of Valencia.pdf/240

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236
SIEGE OF VALENCIA.


Is in the Moorish war-shout!—I have known
Such tones prophetic oft.—The shock is given—
Lo! they have placed their shields before their hearts,
And lower'd their lances with the streamers on,
And on their steeds bent forward!—God for Spain!
The first bright sparks of battle have been struck
From spear to spear, across the gleaming field!
—There is no sight on which the blue sky looks
To match with this!—'Tis not the gallant crests,
Nor banners with their glorious blazonry;
The very nature and high soul of man
Doth now reveal itself!

GONZALEZ.

Oh, raise me up,

That I may look upon the noble scene!
—It will not be!—That this dull mist would pass
A moment from my sight!—Whence rose that shout,
As in fierce triumph?

HERNANDEZ (clasping his hands).

Must I look on this?

The banner sinks—'tis taken!

GONZALEZ.

Whose?


HERNANDEZ.

Castile's!