Page:Modern poets and poetry of Spain.djvu/233

And lovelier still Granada shows
Her pleasant site to view!"
Murmuring such words in mournful thought,
I oft with tearful eyes repined,
Upraised to Heaven, as memory brought
My fathers' homes and hearths to mind.
At times the solitary view
Of rural scenes more seem'd to soothe;
From cities terror-struck I flew,
And breathless, anxious, o'er the uncouth
Rough Alps I took my way.
But not so pure, so vivid showed
Their snowy tops the sun's bright ray,
As from our snow Sierra glow'd
The streams of light, the god of day
O'er earth and heaven bestow'd.

My griefs Pompeii flattered more:
Its fearful ruins, silent streets,
Deserted porticos, retreats
Of men with grass run o'er.
And in my troubled mind began
Grave thoughts to rise, how vain is all
The power of miserable man.
To abase his fame, his pride to gall,

How fate delights! and works that vast