XI.

Well answered! Where the river widest swells ’Neath rapid Ocean’s amorous embrace, And on the Siérra swung the Convent bells For matin-lauds and vesper-song of grace, The howitzer ascends that holy place, And from the belfry vomits forth its fire; From cloisters dim whose cowls the shakos chase The stabled charger bids the monk retire, And tell his beads apart till pass War’s tempest dire.