New-York daily tribune., 1863-12-26


have been made familiar to the students of modern
literature by the enchanting prose Of Washington
Irving. and the elaborate poems of Southcy and
Scott. Still, the 'dim religious light wihch
hoycrs over the conflicts of Moor ana "o'l' p'o-
sents potent charm 10 the imagination, ana 4u''
nishes store of attractive maicHaS 20 'uo "''i''
who possesses the skill to mould them ih'o epic
shape and co,he them with flesh and i1ThG bca"'y'
The poem now published has, however, We confess
someyhat taken us by surprise. Such genuine
nroduct OF creative fancy was scarcely TO DC eN-
pected in the midst of civil war, when the voice OF
the muses. might well be hushed in the clangof oi
arms. BIT not inappositc TO the present moment
is tho description of martial prowcss IN days long
gone by, and the sentiment OF lofty patriotism ana
heroic deviation, sof,cned by tire gentle influences OF
domestic love which it commentaries, Will now
fni a. echo in many throbbiug heart
The scene of the poem is laid i'll Spain soon after
the invasion of that country by tho Moors IN the
eighth century. Count Julian, IN order to avengc
the betrayal of bis trust by Don Roderck, tho cell
ebrated Gothic king, to whom he had confded the
care Of Floinda his beautiful daughter, had formed
O trcaohe5ous plc. TO deliver the Spanish kingdom
into the hands OF the Moslem commander Muza
ben Nosier. In the peaceful enjoyment oi MS
power, while Spain was at the hight OF her glory
and happiness, Don Roderick was surprised 10y the
sudden invasion Of host of turbaned troops; and
falling q. the battle of Xcres panic ensued, and
the Arabian general, Taric III Tuerto took possess
ion of tho camp. The Christians escaped TO Au-
seya, one Of the Asturan mountains, where at the
opening Of the poem, they are dwelling in caves,
swaiinss favorable moment for tho expulsion OF
the MoorS. Don Peayo, who was next IN line to
The throne, had been taken prisoner but was allowed
the freedom of the city on his parole OF honor
Meantime, the story supposes him to have been
betrothed 10 Zillah, daughter Of Count Eudon,
who to save his life and large possessions had be-
come al apostae, favoring the suit Of Abdelaisls,
the Arabian governor Of the country, and son Of
Muza, for The hand Of his already plishtcd daugh-
ter. The curtain rises upon the suiierings OF the
Christians while the MOOrs are il the uDdsturbed
enjosmen; of their power. Pelayo had resolved as
soon as the term Of his parole should expire, to
strike new blow for the recovery Of the national
freedom. He had previously persuaded ZillGh to
Gee With him from Seville upon the arrival of the
appointed time, and TO be joined with him in we'd
lock, before he should take up arms or the field of
battle. The description OF their fight viii serve as
an introduction 10 the future king and queen Of
Spain:
Three weary 6av. Rad vel nigh passed,
And sunset hour carre stealing near.
" hen Ziliah turned 20 take her last,
Sad fond farewell os SCENES once dear.
Brushing tnc toaT .iff di;wed not eye
Fer sladcwe3 So ava past = .e- fed.
Brig eo"ers taat 3i-e .ei'd hat 10 lie,
Al sely sirieh-u--'c ittefsc-iaedi
'No rlaco for sic. > she lo..a H.. s.ghsd,
III s'rfeth 'e' "i s.-h - "tri
a loved ara ruya; chi.fia.l. t:ile
" -le tc fIaTr- u1, fi;C ne 81 krcW"
BIT s,..rce ilai tor = -! Lad tine.
Er, Joy tedued ,gtl 30 i-l ,t's tnver.
Bsatath The ace1a a. lH. .iu9
her lover wants O. APPOINTED Aouri
One bound one -prDg ana he hath pressed
That trembling maiden 20 bis leart
" Star of rly soll ly bride ny blessed!
Mine Own for ayel no more 10 paTtP
And Inez now srd Come bead.
IL rustic gJb, and rev renee deep,
With earnest zeal and care 10 tpHd
And faithful guard SIN anxious keep
While quickly aru Ors sAlling mail.
And snowy robe Of finest make.
Il peasant Cuse they closely val,
And eael on arm a hasEet teAe.
But scarce en- arrows distant fight
By Guadslquivers ripping side,
In grove OF hg vel SCREENED from sight,
Their sturdy mules had Gomez tied
Which mounting hoy viii hearts Of fear
Went forth AMID the noisy throag.
From bower and patio .Ong loved. dear.
with careless air. and hight LGnaaed song.
And the Alcazar leave fLll soon,
Her curling penn0us. crssCeut moon
And im,iOu, scrolls hasplemy
FLOATING where sacred c5oss thoud be.
Der Christian gardens grand arcade.
Of lutoG columns leng y. a.As shade.
As sinks the sun IN glowing west,
Viii glanciug beam court. 70 rest,
Of oiiye and sweet oraBge EoSer.
Radiant II sunsets gorgeous hour.
And thus with anxious trembling fesr,
They meet tie t1IbGncd. Eastern tlrCng;
Gir0ldG's tower soon passing LCnr,
Mosque convent Gquoduct along;
And. a. beneath the palm tlay passed.
TIE brazen statue beareth there.
NurmuIed Pclayo, thus. at last
Nay return With palm branch fair !"
Nov. Convent of the Cormcl'te.
Enbowered mid chesinu:s' riohest bloom,
Beyond their GuadaCuiyeT bright,
Behold they IL der scrted gloom.
No cross upr9iscd toward heayen's light,
No sacred emblem meets the sighti
With tUtt ring leuIt they Iopld pass
1iid ATeb, Moor, and motley mass,
w Me clear Goih fing through perinned air
Ihe luauns cry. To prayey to prayer"
When soop. with ieGy the eiiy gate
1Dey safely reach ere ceases call
Or "AAs M :" % "PrOple, great"
And pfoisirg God. pass fion the wall
"Eow God Be praised :" exclaimed The knight,
" For tins sweet broath Of frccdo4ns air
With thee, NY siaT " beauty bright
And queen Of every virtue rarel
Ny Wild fOE CT Cf Tie forest now
Thou bocmest 10 ty rustic dress
More iair 10 lac than whom all bow
To thco IN oOurtIy ,ovelinessl
M,iaosa mia = trembling thcui
p llis Little hand scarce guides thy reigl
hnimo. rida mia! now,
fOI fear aud terror, oyei are ys>n
Iufn tLee. NY Life behold yUn van
Where MOslcm banners gsyen bright.
Een Low. tbOl sce.t. were FIR from all
And soon viii fade lhciy Hateful siglt.o
Z" II II, MY love no craven fear .
Thrills deep my heart unnervcs ray hand;
But terror, that ttyy life 80 dear
BE thus exposed 10 Moorish bandi
Lest That our flight DER boon be knowD,-