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THE FALL OF THE ALAMO

Soldier.

[Gasping for breath.]

Yes, yes!

[Santa Anna unloosens his grasp and goes away.]
His Excellency has sure gone mad!
[Exit soldier.]

Scene VIII.

The Chapel of the Alamo, darkened but illuminated from without by the glare of the rockets, indicating the bombardment. The divine service, held there for the last time, is Just being concluded by the soldiers, who, lying on their knees, intune the

PRAYER BEFORE BATTLE.[1]

1.

Forsake me not! when shadows lie around me,
When Night and Darkness everywhere hold bound me,
When peril's gloom has fallen to my lot:
Thou Fount of Light! Forsake, forsake me not!

2.

Forsake me not! when tempest-clouds assemble.
And cause the ground beneath my feet to tremble,
When round me raves the battle fierce and hot:
Offspring of Peace! Forsake, forsake me not!

  1. For the tune of this Hymn see page 245.