Page:The Siege of Valencia.pdf/112

Elmina, still they live.

But captives!—They

Whom my fond heart had imaged to itself
Bounding from cliff to cliff amidst the wilds
Where the rock-eagle seen'd not more secure
In its rejoicing freedom!—And my boys
Are captives with the Moor!—Oh! how was this?

Alas! our brave Alphonso, in the pride

Of boyish daring, left our mountain-halls,
With his young brother, eager to behold
The face of noble war. Thence on their way
Were the rash wanderers captured.

'Tis enough.

—And when shall they be ransom'd?

There is ask'd

A ransom far too high.

What! have we wealth

Which might redeem a monarch, and our sons
The while wear fetters?—Take thou all for them,