Waiting the snowy hand

That could awaken them.

Ah me, I thought, how many, many times

Genius thus slumbers in a human soul,

Waiting, as Lazarus waited, for a voice

To bid him "Rise and walk."

SONNET

FROM THE SPANISH OF DON FRANCISCO DE QUEVEDO

I saw the ramparts of my native land,

One time so strong, now dropping in decay,