The Siege of Valencia.pdf/48

Exported from Wikisource on October 19, 2024

44

THE LAST CONSTANTINE.

LXXXII.

They fail not now, the generous band, that long

Have rang'd their swords around a falling throne;

Still in those fearless men the walls are strong,

Hearts, such as rescue empires, are their own!

—Shall those high energies be vainly shown?

No! from their towers th' invading tide is driven

Back, like the Red-sea waves, when God had blown

With his strong winds^18[1]!—the dark-brow'd ranks are riven—

Shout, warriors of the cross!—for victory is of Heaven!

LXXXIII.

Stand firm!—Again the crescent host is rushing,

And the waves foam, as on the galleys sweep,

With all their fires and darts, tho' blood is gushing

Fast o'er their sides, as rivers to the deep.

Stand firm!—there yet is hope—th' ascent is steep,

And from on high no shaft descends in vain;

—But those that fall swell up the mangled heap,

In the red moat, the dying and the slain,

And o'er that fearful bridge th' assailants mount again!

1. ↑

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The Siege of Valencia.pdf/48

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