There are to whom has fate bestow'd
The lot, that always on the road
Of docile laurels borne,
Success should fly their steps before,
And in their hands events in store
Should lose each cruel thorn.
As heroes these the vulgar choose,
If not as gods, but I refuse
Such homage for the mind;
And in Bellona's doubtful strife,
Where fortune's angry frowns are rife,
There heroes seek to find.
O! true of heart, and brave as true!
Illustrious Clio, turn thy view
Afar the vast seas o'er;
For deeds, in spite of fate abhorr'd,
Than these more worthy to record
Ne'er pass'd thy view before.
To abase the wealthy Gades, see,
From haunts of deep obscurity,
The fellest Fury rise!
And from her direful hand launched forth,
Transform'd the forests of the North,
She floating walls supplies.
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JUAN BAUTISTA DE ARRIAZA.
