Page:Oriental Sketches Dramatic Sketches and Tales.pdf/228

    Land of the convert, the shrine, and the cell,
    Where the deep choral hymn, and the soft vesper bell
On the light breezes borne gently steal o'er the ear—
    Where the soul's pensive dream of some votary pale,
    Some fond heart that pines 'neath the nun's flowing veil,
Is chased by the song of the gay Muleteer.

    Land, where the church and the altar profaned
   By dark superstitions and priestcraft are stained
By heretic blood to the ruthless flames given;
    Land of the dungeon, the rack, and the chain,
    Where man has appealed to his fellow in vain,
And the shriek of the martyrs ascended to heaven.

    Land of the waltz and the gay masquerade,
    The cloaked cavalier and the wild serenade,
Where fond lovers sigh o'er their tender guitars—
    Land, where the fingers that held in their clasp
    The maiden's white hand the red dagger would grasp,
And assassins steal forth 'neath the light of the stars.