“The blood which has ceased in the veins to run

Of this form that shall nevermore feel the sun,

This blood—a score of years ago—

Belonged to a noble hidalgo,

With a great estate and a greater name,

And a palace proud, and a beauteous dame,

And a little child—his only heir—

Soft as the dew in the morning air,

And as opening roses fresh and fair.

“And it was this noble hidalgo