“These be my countrymen (she said); Spain, thy spirit is not dead! When the kite shall grasp the thunder, France shall bring thy spirit under; When upheaved is Roncesvalles, France shall hold Alphonso’s palace. When forgotten is Pavía, When unwrit her annals all, Then shall Spain consent to be a Province for the Gaul! Hoist the standard Of Hesperia; Ne’er hath pandered Celtiberia! Greatly dare, Till free as air; Firm as rock, Withstand the shock! Now when babes untimely perish, Like old Basques strew pure white roses; Freedom’s flame now, now ye cherish-- ’Tis no infant slave reposes! The pride of arms, And Freedom’s charms, Have spurred each soul For Glory’s goal; My countrymen, to-day ye make your sister proud. The Invader may come; Hark, hark to his drum, And the hoofs of his chargers clattering loud! See, see where the dust, Like a storm-gathered gust, Rolls over the plain, As he gallops amain; Now stand, brothers brave, and be true to your trust! When upheaved is Roncesvalles, When the kite shall grasp the thunder, France shall hold Alphonso’s palace, France shall bring thy spirit under! When dishonours Vascongada Fernan’s triumph at Granada, When forgotten is Pavía, When unwrit her annals all, Then shall Spain consent to be a Province for the Gaul! XV. On came the French light horse--a forage troop-- And dashed impetuous to the ancient square, Deeming to spoil the town with vulture swoop, But Blanca’s voice had been before them there! Beneath the oak the patriot phalanx fair With volley close receives the deadly shock. Though trodden down, none yields him to despair, But light-armed footmen horse and rider mock. France oft the charge renews; Biscaya stands--a rock! XVI. Fiercest amongst the hussars rode Jules, whose friend Blanca erewhile had with his carbine smote; He spied her ’neath the oak, and burnt to end The maid who foiled him in her lightsome boat. But by her side there stands a youth of note-- Don Carlos named--her father too is nigh. Stout they received him Carlos--at his throat Sprang with good sword; and fiery sparkles fly From blades with master-hand they both wield manfully. XVII.