These from remotest days their souls have fired,

“Nerved every arm,” and every breast inspired!

When Moorish bands their suffering land possess’d,

And fierce oppression rear’d her giant crest,

The wealthy caliphs on Cordova’s throne

In eastern gems and purple splendour shone;

Theirs was the proud magnificence that vied

With stately Bagdat’s oriental pride;

Theirs were the courts in regal pomp array’d,

Where arts and luxury their charms display’d;