“Engracia’s stormed—the summons to despair
Is oft repeated but as oft disdained.
Though Zaragoza burn—though tortures tear,
Her vigorous arms shall ne’er by France be chained!
The foe hath entered and the Cosso gained;
But desperate is the fight which there doth rage.
Francisco’s convent burns, yet death fires rained
More fiercely glare—such war did man ne’er wage.
Beside Numantine fame ’twill sound through many an age!
XXIII.