LXXXVI.

Such be the sons of Spain, and strange her Fate! They fight for Freedom who were never free, A Kingless people for a nerveless state;[103] Her vassals combat when their Chieftains flee, True to the veriest slaves of Treachery: Fond of a land which gave them nought but life, Pride points the path that leads to Liberty; Back to the struggle, baffled in the strife, War, war is still the cry, "War even to the knife!"[18.B.]