Perhaps we have enjoyed a very enthusiastic, a very poetical, Christmas Day! we pretend not to deny it, though steadfastly believing it was neither an anti-Christian, nor an utterly unprofitable one; nay, we even venture to hope, that the beatitude of spirit just feebly portrayed was not unpleasing in His sight, unto whom, for His gift of immortal life, we upon Christmas Day render our peculiar thanksgivings!
Awake, awake, the trumpet hath sung its lay to the sunny sky, And the glorious shout from Spanish lips gives forth its wild reply. Awake, awake, how the chargers foam, as to battle they dash on, Oh, Zaragoza, on this proud day, must thy walls be lost or won!
His hand--the hand of the youthful chief was on his flashing sword, And his plume gleam'd white thro' the smoke and flame o'er the lofty city pour'd-- And the banners around him darkly swept like the waves of a stormy sea, But Zaragoza, amid this strife, his heart was firm to thee.
"Away, away, tread her walls to dust!"--the Gallic warriors cried "Defend, my bands, your hearth and home," the youthful chief replied. They caught the sound of this spirit-voice as they stay'd their foes' career, And many a thrilling cry was heard, when the bayonet met the spear
In vain, ye heroes, do you breathe your latest vows to heaven, In vain is your devoted blood in the cause of Freedom given, For when the morn awakes again, your city shall not be The haunt of maids who warbled deep, their sweetest songs for ye!
But the story of your hallow'd death shall not remain unsung, Oh, its record shall be glorified by many a minstrel tongue For Freedom's holy light hath touch'd each ruin'd shrine and wall, That sadly speak unto the heart of Zaragoza's fall.
[1] For a general description of this magnificent edifice, see MIRROR, No. 247.
Many persons who have visited this chapel may not have noticed or been aware of the splendid painted ceiling by Sir Peter Paul Rubens, which was executed by him when ambassador at the court of James I. This beautiful performance represents the apotheosis of that peaceful monarch, he being seated on his throne, and turning towards the deities of peace and commerce, having rejected the gods of war and discord. It is painted on canvass, and is in excellent preservation; the original painter had £3,000. for his labour; it has been retouched more than once, and the last time was by Cipriani, who had £2,000. for his repairs.