Soon found the blithe Barqueras dry old wood, And kindled fire i’ the centre of the cave. Bright flashed the blaze, and sparkling keener stood The dark-eyed daughters of the ocean-wave, But brighter flashed, that thus they came to save In peril’s hour, the eyes of Isabel. Her glances eloquent the tribute gave Of gratitude, nor looked she e’er so well As when the o’erflowing heart threw Beauty’s softer spell. XXI. Her mobile face with play of sweetest smiles Gives forth her innocent thoughts and nought conceals: An aspect changeful still that ne’er beguiles, For every change a beauty new reveals, Its form vibrating as her bosom feels. As some fair lake reflects each passing cloud, Each sun-bright ray that o’er its bosom steals, So were her looks with mirror truth endowed, Nor could she, if she would, emotion’s play enshroud. XXII. “Oh, Isidor’s and Blanca’s blessing fall “From Heaven upon your heads!” she weeping cried. At Blanca’s name the maidens kist her all, In memory of their Armadilla’s pride. From Contrabandist stores, the cavern wide Embosomed, then refreshment meet they drew; And while the flickering blaze, as nightwinds sighed, In light or shade their beauties lambent threw, They waited till more calm the Ocean grow to view. XXIII. ’Twas after Sunset but the second hour, When Nial from the Bidasoa came, Glowing with valour’s pride and passion’s power, And eager to recount the army’s fame To Isabel--for sealed a blushing shame His lips to his own daringness of deed, And to conceal it e’en was oft his aim. Swift lit the hero from his foaming steed, And met Salustian wild distracted, borne at speed: XXIV. “Hast seen her? Hast thou seen my daughter? Say, “Know’st thou aught of my girl?”--“Great Heaven, what means “Thy question?”--“They have ta’en my girl away-- “One, one was not enough. Oh, Hell-born scenes “Of War!” An instant’s breathing-time he leans On Nial. “Isabel--.” “Who dared to harm?” Quoth Nial, flashing terrible wrath, then gleans From the old man, how, sleeping, the alarm Reached him that she was torn away by a stranger’s arm, XXV. And then to horse, and galloped out of sight, But none knew whither--none who dared aspire. Swift to his steed leapt Nial airy light, His nostril panting with excitement dire, His lips compressed with fearful purpose--ire And vengeance from his eagle glances fly. “Stay--stay; I join thee,” cried the plundered sire. “Stir not for love of Heaven!” was the reply. Salustian screamed: “I go! Who so bereaved as I?” XXVI.