Ah! where is Palafox? Nor tongue nor pen Reports of him, his dwelling or his grave! Does yet the unheard-of vessel ride the wave? Or is she swallowed up, remote from ken Of pitying human-nature? Once again 5 Methinks that we shall hail thee, Champion brave, Redeemed to baffle that imperial Slave, And through all Europe cheer desponding men With new-born hope. Unbounded is the might Of martyrdom, and fortitude, and right. 10 Hark, how thy Country triumphs!--Smilingly The Eternal looks upon her sword that gleams, Like his own lightning, over mountains high, On rampart, and the banks of all her streams. See notes to sonnets (pp. 223 and 229).--ED. "IN DUE OBSERVANCE OF AN ANCIENT RITE" Composed 1810.--Published 1815 In due observance of an ancient rite, The rude Biscayans, when their children lie Dead in the sinless time of infancy, Attire the peaceful corse in vestments white; And, in like sign of cloudless triumph bright, 5 They bind the unoffending creature's brows With happy garlands of the pure white rose: Then do[1] a festal company unite In choral song; and, while the uplifted cross Of Jesus goes before, the child is borne 10 Uncovered to his grave: 'tis closed,--her loss The Mother _then_ mourns, as she needs must mourn; But soon, through Christian faith, is grief subdued;[2] And joy returns, to brighten fortitude.[3] VARIANTS: [1] 1837. This done, ... 1815. [2] 1837. Uncovered to his grave.--Her piteous loss The lonesome Mother cannot chuse but mourn; Yet soon by Christian faith is grief subdued, 1815. [3] C. and 1838. And joy attends upon her fortitude. 1815. Or joy returns to brighten fortitude. 1837. FEELINGS OF A NOBLE BISCAYAN AT ONE OF THOSE FUNERALS, 1810 Composed 1810.--Published 1815 Yet, yet, Biscayans! we must meet our Foes With firmer soul, yet labour to regain Our ancient freedom; else 'twere worse than vain To gather round the bier these festal shows. A garland fashioned of the pure white rose 5 Becomes not one whose father is a slave: Oh, bear the infant covered to his grave! These venerable mountains now enclose A people sunk in apathy and fear. If this endure, farewell, for us, all good! 10 The awful light of heavenly innocence Will fail to illuminate the infant's bier; And guilt and shame, from which is no defence, Descend on all that issues from our blood. ON A CELEBRATED EVENT IN ANCIENT HISTORY Composed 1810.--Published 1815