3 Cit. E'en now, 'tis said,
The hostile bands approach.
(The sound is heard gradually drawing nearer.
2 Cit. Again!—that sound
Was no illusion. Nearer yet it swells—
They come, they come!
Procida enters.
Procida. The foe is at your gates;
But hearts and hands prepared shall meet his onset:
Why are ye loitering here?
Cits. My lord, we came——
Pro. Think ye I know not wherefore?—'twas to see
A fellow-being die!—Ay, 'tis a sight
Man loves to look on, and the tenderest hearts
Recoil, and yet withdraw not, from the scene.
For this ye came—What! is our nature fierce,
Or is there that in mortal agony,
From which the soul, exulting in its strength,
Doth learn immortal lessons?—Hence, and arm!
Ere the night dews descend, ye will have seen
Enough of death; for this must be a day
Of battle!—'Tis the hour which troubled souls
Delight in, for its rushing storms are wings
Which bear them up!—Arm, arm! 'tis for your homes,
And all that lends them loveliness—Away!
[Exeunt.
