XXIV. THE OAK OF GUERNICA. The ancient Oak of Guernica, says Laborde in his account of Biscay, is a most venerable natural Monument. Ferdinand and Isabella, in the year 1476, after hearing mass in the Church of Santa Maria de la Antigua, repaired to this tree, under which they swore to the Biscayans to maintain their fueros (privileges). What other interest belongs to it in the minds of this People will appear from the following to SUPPOSED ADDRESS OF THE SAME. 1810. OAK of Guernica! Tree of holier power Than that which in Dodona did enshrine The dews of morn, or April's tender shower? sh -Stroke merciful and welcome would that be Guardians of Biscay's ancient liberty. XXV. INDIGNATION OF A HIGH-MINDED SPANIARD. 1810. WE can endure that He should waste our lands, And we can brook the thought that by his hands Where all the Brave lie dead. But when of bands, Of benefits, and of a future day When our enlightened minds shall bless his sway, XXVI. AVAUNT all specious pliancy of mind In men of low degree, all smooth pretence! And self-respecting slowness, disinclined To win me at first sight:-and be there joined Honour that knows the path and will not swerve; Were England's native growth; and, throughout Spain, Then for that Country let our hopes be bold; XXVII. 1810. O'ERWEENING Statesmen have full long relied In the thronged City, from the walks of gain, As being all unworthy to detain A Soul by contemplation sanctified. There are who cannot languish in this strife, ; To labour, and to prayer, to nature, and to heaven.* * See Laborde's Character of the Spanish People; from him the sentiment of these two last lines is taken. XXVIII. THE FRENCH, AND THE SPANISH GUERILLAS. HUNGER, and sultry heat, and nipping blast So these, and, heard of once again, are chased And newly-kindled hope;-but they are fled, Where now?-Their sword is at the Foeman's heart! |