GONZALEZ (snatching the Cross, and lifting it up). This is your place no longer. There are things No human heart, though battle-proof as yours, Unmadden'd may sustain. GONZALEZ. Be still! I have now No place on earth but this! ALPHONSO (from beneath). Men! give me way, That I may speak forth once before I die! GARCIAS. The princely boy!-how gallantly his brow ALPHONSO. Father! GONZALEZ. My son! my son !-Mine eldest-born! ALPHONSO. Stay but the ramparts upon !-Fear thou not— There is good courage in me: oh! my father! I will not shame thee !-only let me fall So shall my heart have strength. GONZALEZ. Would, would to God, That I might die for thee, my noble boy! Alphonso, my fair son ! ALPHONSO. Could I have lived, I might have been a warrior!-Now, farewell! Mine eyelids shall not quiver as it falls, So thou wilt look upon me! GARCIAS (to GONZALEZ). Nay, my lord! We must begone!-Thou canst not bear it! GONZALEZ. Peace! -Who hath told thee how much man's heart can bear? -Lend me thine arm-my brain whirls fearfully How thick the shades close round!-my boy! my boy! Where art thou in this gloom? Now let me look on him!-Dost thou see aught Through the dull mist which wraps us? GARCIAS. I behold Oh! for a thousand Spaniards to rush down— GONZALEZ. Thou seest-My heart stands still to hear thee speak! -There seems a fearful hush upon the air, As 't were the dead of night! GARCIAS. Around the spot in stillness. The hosts have closed Through the spears, Ranged thick and motionless, I see him not; -But now GONZALEZ. He bade me keep mine eye upon him, And all is darkness round me !-Now? GARCIAS. A sword, A sword, springs upward, like a lightning burst, Through the dark serried mass !-Its cold blue glare Is wavering to and fro-'tis vanish'd—hark! GONZALEZ. I heard it, yes!-I heard the dull dead sound. The sword fell then! GARCIAS. 'Twas-'tis past! HERNANDEZ (with exultation). Flow forth thou noble blood! Fount of Spain's ransom and deliverance, flow Uncheck'd and brightly forth!-Thou kingly stream! With battle-hues of thee !-And thy deep voice Rising above them to the judgment-seat Shall call a burst of gather'd vengeance down, To sweep th' oppressor from us!-For thy wave Hath made his guilt run o'er! GONZALEZ (endeavouring to rouse himself). 'Tis all a dream! There is not one-no hand on earth could harm That fair boy's graceful head!-Why look you thus ? ABDULLAH (pointing to CARLOS). Christian e'en yet thou hast a son! GONZALEZ. E'en yet! CARLOS. My father! take me from these fearful men! Wilt thou not save me, father? GONZALEZ (attempting to unsheath his sword). Is the strength From mine arm shiver'd?-Garcias follow me! GARCIAS. Whither, my chief? GONZALEZ. Why, we can die as well On yonder plain,-aye, a spear's thrust will do The little that our misery doth require, |