Page:Modern poets and poetry of Spain.djvu/288

And to the Master motions wild,
With gestures to declare,
In evil hour he comes, and waves
Her kerchief him away,
And by mute signs thus bids him seek
Safety without delay.
Nothing of this he comprehends,
But for saluting takes
The warning, and discreetly thus
A gallant answer makes.
And to the opened portal comes,
With guards and bowmen lined,
Who give him passage free, but leave
His followers behind.

If he knew not Padillia's signs,
Don Pedro knew them well,
As he before the chamber door
A moment seem'd to dwell,
In deep suspense o'er his resolve,
When turning back his eye,
He saw the Lady warn him thus
By motions thence to fly.
O, heaven! then was that noble act,
Of pure intent to be
What calFd the executioners forth,

And seal'd the stern decree.