To Heaven for their approach, and at their post
Prepared, were trembling with excess of hope.
Here in these mountain straits the Mountaineer
Had felt his country’s strength insuperable;
Here he had pray’d to see the Musselman
With all his myriads; therefore had he look’d
To Covadonga as a sanctuary
Apt for concealment, easy of defence;
And Guisla’s flight, though to his heart it sent
A pang more poignant for their mother’s sake,