XI.

Unskilled her aim--but stainless purity Gave loftiest courage, nerving eye and hand. She breathed a prayer--an instant gazed on high-- “Oh, Virgin Queen, _mi madre_, guardian stand!” Next instant she discharged the flaming brand. Within the throb of Ana’s beauteous breast Flew the fleet bullet. Heaven its progress banned; And through the ravisher’s hot heart it prest, His fell design extinct in death’s eternal rest!