Page:Oriental Sketches Dramatic Sketches and Tales.pdf/227

    Land, where the shallop spread forth its broad sail,
    And recklessly gave its career to the gale,
Secure of success—at the leader's command,
    Who, o'er the deep waters, beyond the wide skies,
    Saw clustering islands and continents rise,
And the bold vessel steered with an unerring hand.

    Land, where the earth's richest mines have unrolled
    Their coveted treasures of silver and gold,
And half the new world as its vassals bowed down;
    Land, where the pure priceless jewels that shone
    On Peru's dazzling sceptre and Mexico's throne,
Were wrested to gleam on thy proud monarch's crown.

    Land of the bull-fight, where hundreds engage
    The brute, in his fiercest and deadliest rage,
Till pierced by their weapons he sinks to the ground;
    Where beauty's eye dwells on the perilous deed,
    And woman can gaze as the combatants bleed,
And her sweet voice be heard as the plaudits resound.