XXVI. And ever since that martial synod met, And fain would blush, if blush they could, for shame. Will not our own and fellow-nations sneer, To view these champions cheated of their fame, Where Scorn her finger points through many a coming year? XXVII. So deem'd the Childe, as o'er the mountains he Sweet was the scene, yet soon he thought to flee, XXVIII. To horse! to horse! he quits, for ever quits Onward he flies, nor fix'd as yet the goal Or he shall calm his breast, or learn experience sage. rar as the eye discerns, withouten end, Spain's realms appear whereon her shepherds tend Flocks, whose rich fleece right well the trader knows-Now must the pastor's arm his lambs defend: For Spain is compass'd by unyielding foes, And all must shield their all, or share Subjection's woes. XXIX. 29 Yet Mafra shall one moment claim delay, Where dwelt of yore the Lusians' luckless queen ; And church and court did mingle their array, And mass and revel were alternate seen; Lordlings and freres-ill-sorted fry I ween! But here the Babylonian whore hath built 30 A dome, where flaunts she in such glorious sheen, That men forget the blood which she hath spilt, And bow the knee to Pomp that loves to varnish guilt. ΧΧΧ. O'er vales that teem with fruits, romantic hills, (Oh, that such hills upheld a freeborn race!) Whereon to gaze the eye with joyaunce fills, Childe Harold wends through many a pleasant place. Though sluggards deem it but a foolish chase, And marvel men should quit their easy chair, The toilsome way, and long, long league to trace, Oh! there is sweetness in the mountain air, And life, that bloated Ease can never hope to share. XXXI. More bleak to view the hills at length recede, Spain's realms appear whereon her shepherds tend For Spain is compass'd by unyielding foes, And all must shield their all, or share Subjection's woes. |