Abd. Julian, to thee, the terror of the faithless, I bring my father’s order, to prepare For the bright day that crowns thy brave exploits: p. 15Our enemy is at the very gate! And art thou here, with women in thy train, Crouching to gain admittance to their lord, And mourning the unkindness of delay!

p. 15

[Julian, much agitated, goes towards the door, and returns.

Jul. I am prepared: Prince, judge not hastily.

Abd. Whether I should not promise all they ask, I too could hesitate, tho’ earlier taught The duty to obey, and should rejoice To shelter in the universal storm A frame so delicate, so full of fears, So little used to outrage and to arms, As one of these; so humble, so uncheer’d At the gay pomp that smooths the track of war: When she beheld me from afar dismount, And heard my trumpet, she alone drew back, And, as tho’ doubtful of the help she seeks, Shudder’d to see the jewels on my brow, And turn’d her eyes away, and wept aloud. The other stood, awhile, and then advanced: p. 16I would have spoken; but she waved her hand And said, “Proceed, protect us, and avenge, And be thou worthier of the crown thou wearest.” Hopeful and happy is indeed our cause, When the most timid of the lovely hail Stranger and foe—

p. 16

[Roderigo, unnoticed by Abdalazis.

Rod. And shrink, but to advance.

Abd. Thou tremblest! whence, O Julian! whence this change? Thou lovest still thy country.

Jul. Abdalazis! All men with human feelings love their country. Not the high-born or wealthy man alone, Who looks upon his children, each one led By its gay hand-maid, from the high alcove, And hears them once aday; not only he Who hath forgotten, when his guest inquires The name of some far village all his own; Whose rivers bound the province, and whose hills p. 17Touch the last cloud upon the level sky: No; better men still better love their country. ’Tis the old mansion of their earliest friends, The chapel of their first and best devotions; When violence, or perfidy, invades, Or when unworthy lords hold wassail there, And wiser heads are drooping round its moats, At last they fix their 

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