rains, while the shouts of the
multitude, assembled to behold the departure of the Christian soldiers,
floated promiscuously along the air. The walls of the city were
thronged with spectators, whilst others, more active or more interested,
followed the army down the Vega. It was a scene at once splendid and
interesting, to behold the army marching gallantly to the field,
followed by a multitude all unanimous in imploring the benedictions of
heaven on their brave countrymen.

Amongst the dense crowd that gazed upon that martial array, what
passions were called forth--how many latent affections kindled--and what
sentiments of glory displayed! The magnificent pomp and the
spirit-stirring dignity of war, at the same time that it elevates the
soul to deeds of heroism, fails not to awaken in the breast a
corresponding sentiment of awe.--Alas! while the warrior, in all the
enthusiasm of courage and self-devotion, marches with eager strides to
the paths of victory, perhaps of death, how many tender hearts swell
high and beat fearfully for the dangers which they themselves cannot
perceive!

Amongst that overpowering multitude might be discerned the venerable
father, a lingering spark of noble fire still lurking in his dim eyes,
and his withering frame receiving new energies as he gazed on the
military display. A sigh of regret escapes him, for the perilous and
glorious scenes in which his age forbids him to bear a part. His
out-stretched palms are clasped in fervent orisons to heaven, not for
the safety of his child, but that his conduct in the field may be worthy
of a man and a Spaniard.

There was also the affectionate spouse contemplating the marching army
in silent sorrow; her eyes swimming in tears are intensely fixed on that
numerous mass of warlike spirits, where _one_, to her dearer than all
the world, was speeding from her side. On one arm some innocent,
perhaps, lay in sweet slumber, whilst another urchin, with years enough
to gaze with delight upon the glorious scene, evinces his pleasure at
the animating prospect, and with infantine exultation looks upwards to
his mother, wondering to see her bathed in sorrow, for to his
unconscious heart no cause is there for grief; and yet his tears flow
because his mother weeps.

Farther, perhaps, more lonely, on some high turret, on some distant
eminence, striving to hide her sorrows from the eye of the world, is
seen the trembling virgin, whose pure heart has received the f