Scene XVI.
Court-yard of the Alamo, where the men composing the garrison of the Alamo are assembled. Travis., stepping before them, takes his position near the flag-staff.
Travis.
My own heart's joy, too great for utterance,
I see reflected in your faces, friends,
Bespeaking radiant thoughts and glorious hopes
Of all, that, best and highest, moves and thrills
The human heart. For now we know for what
We left our work, our homesteads and our friends,
For what we seized our trusty arms, for what
We gained this morning's glorious victory,
And most of all, for what we give our lives.
Now clearly feeling, seeing this, we seem
Translated to some lofty mountain-peak,
Earth's littleness far, far below our feet.
While over us Heaven's uprolled azure-curtain
Allows us glimpses into ampler realms.
Such is the inspiration of a holy cause,
That it removes the veil of mystery
Which blinds our mortal eyes, distends our view,
And renders us in broader sphere of spirit,
Though yet on earth, akin to God our Maker.
If from His threshold such transfiguring ray
Is thrown on heroes, standing yet without,
