More like what thou hast been !-My soul is hush'd, And settled on its depths with that last smile Which from thine shone forth.-Thou hast not lived GONZALEZ. Surely for thee Death had no sting, Ximena !-We are blest, From such an aspect's calmness. Yet once more In token of th' undying love and hope, Whose land is far away. [Exeunt. 37 Scene-The Walls of the City. HERNANDEZ.-A few Citizens gathered round him. HERNANDEZ. Why, men have cast the treasures, which their lives The flame which gave their temples and their homes, Your rivers pour their gold, rejoicing saw CITIZEN. We'll follow thee! -Alas! for our fair city, and the homes Wherein we rear'd our children!-But away! The Moor shall plant no crescent o'er our fanes! VOICE (from a Tower on the Walls). Succours!-Castile! Castile! CITIZENS (rushing to the spot). It is even so! Now blessing be to Heaven, for we are saved ' Castile, Castile! VOICE (from the Tower). Line after line of spears, Lance after lance, upon the horizon's verge, Doth skirt the plain!--In faith, a noble host! ANOTHER VOICE. The Moor hath turn'd him from our walls, to front Th' advancing might of Spain! CITIZENS (shouting). Castile! Castile! (GONZALEZ enters, supported by ELMINA and a Citizen). GONZALEZ. What shouts of joy are these? HERNANDEZ. Hail, chieftain! hail! Thus ev'n in death 'tis given thee to receive The conqueror's crown!-Behold our God hath heard, And arm'd himself with vengeance!-Lo! they come ! The lances of Castile! GONZALEZ. I knew, I knew Thou wouldst not utterly, my God, forsake Thy servant in his need!-My blood and tears ELMINA. And I too bless thy name, Though thou hast proved me unto agony! Oh God!-Thou God of chastening! VOICE (from the Tower). They move on! I see the royal banner in the air, With its emblazon'd towers! GONZALEZ. Go, bring ye forth The banner of the Cid, and plant it here, HERNANDEZ. I see a kingdom's might upon its path, Moving, in terrible magnificence, Unto revenge and victory!-With the flash Of knightly swords, up-springing from the ranks, As meteors from a still and gloomy deep, |