The noble Mountaineer, concluding then With silent prayer the service of the night, Went forth. Without the porch awaiting him He saw Alphonso, pacing to and fro With patient step and eye reverted oft. He, springing forward when he heard the door Move on its heavy hinges, ran to him, And welcomed him with smiles of youthful love. I have been watching yonder moon, quoth he How it grew pale and paler as the sun Scatter’d the flying shades; but woe is me, For on the towers of Cordoba the while That baleful crescent glitter’d in the morn, And with its insolent triumph seem’d to mock The omen I had found.... Last night I dreamt That thou wert in the field in arms for Spain, And I was at thy side: the infidels Beset us round, but we with our good swords Hew’d out a way. Methought I stabb’d a Moor Who would have slain thee; but with that I woke For joy, and wept to find it but a dream. Thus as he spake a livelier glow o’erspread His cheek, and starting tears again suffused The brightening lustre of his eyes. The Prince Regarded him a moment stedfastly, As if in quick resolve; then looking round On every side with keen and rapid glance, Drew him within the church. Alphonso’s heart Throbb’d with a joyful boding as he mark’d The calmness of Pelayo’s countenance Kindle with solemn thoughts, expressing now High purposes of resolute hope. He gazed All eagerly to hear what most he wish’d. If, said the Prince, thy dream were verified, And I indeed were in the field in arms For Spain, ... wouldst thou be at Pelayo’s side?... If I should break these bonds, and fly to rear Our country’s banner on our native hills, Wouldst thou, Alphonso, share my dangerous flight, Dear boy, ... and wilt thou take thy lot with me For death, or for deliverance? Shall I swear? Replied the impatient boy; and laying hand Upon the altar, on his knee he bent, Looking towards Pelayo with such joy Of reverential love, as if a God Were present to receive the eager vow. Nay, quoth Pelayo: what hast thou to do With oaths?... Bright emanation as thou art, It were a wrong to thy unsullied soul, A sin to nature, were I to require Promise or vow from thee! Enough for me That thy heart answers to the stirring call. Alphonso, follow thou in happy faith Alway the indwelling voice that counsels thee; And then, let fall the issue as it may, Shall all thy paths be in the light of Heaven, The peace of Heaven be with thee in all hours.