GENTLE river, gentle river, Lo, thy streams are stained with gore. Many a brave and noble captain Floats along thy willowed shore. All beside thy limpid waters, All beside thy sands so bright, Moorish chiefs and Christian warriors Joined in fierce and mortal fight. Lords and dukes and noble princes On thy fatal banks were slain; Fatal banks that gave to slaughter All the pride and flower of Spain. There the hero, brave Alonso, Full of wounds and glory died; There the fearless Urdiales Fell a victim by his side. Lo! where yonder, Don Saavedra Through their squadrons slow retires; Proud Seville, his native city, Proud Seville his worth admires. Close behind a renegado Loudly shouts with taunting cry: "Yield thee, yield thee, Don Saavedra. Dost thou from the battle fly? "Well I know thy aged parents, Well thy blooming bride I know; Seven years I was thy captive, Seven years of pain and woe. "May our Prophet grant my wishes, Haughty chief, thou shalt be mine; Thou shalt drink that cup of sorrow Which I drank when I was thine." Like a lion turns the warrior, Back he sends an angry glare; Whizzing came the Moorish javelin, Vainly whizzing through the air. Back the hero full of fury Sent a deep and mortal wound; Instant sank the renegado Mute and lifeless on the ground. With a thousand Moors surrounded, Brave Saavedra stands at bay Wearied out but never daunted, Cold at length the warrior lay. Near him, fighting, great Alonso Stout resists the Paynim bands; From his slaughtered steed dismounted Firm entrenched behind him stands. Furious press the hostile squadrons Furious he repels their rage; Loss of blood at length enfeebles; Who can war with thousands wage? Where yon rock the plain o'shadows Close behind its foot retired, Fainting sank the bleeding hero, And without a groan expired | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...EFFIGY OF A NUN (SIXTEENTH CENTURY) by SARA TEASDALE THE SONG OF THE INGENUES by PAUL VERLAINE MY LITTLE GIRL by SAMUEL MINTURN PECK THE BATTLE-CRY OF FREEDOM by GEORGE FREDERICK ROOT LOVE'S PHANTOM by MATHILDE BLIND |