Manuel, I Do Not Shed A Tear [Vignette 8]

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Title:     Manuel, I Do Not Shed A Tear [Vignette 8]
Author: Matilda Betham [More Titles by Betham]

The Spanish Lady's Farewell, 1809.

Manuel, I do not shed a tear,
Our parting to delay!
I dare not listen to my fear!
I dare not bid thee stay!

The heart may shrink, the spirit fail,
But Spaniards must be free;
And pride and duty shall prevail
O'er all my love for thee!

Then go! and round that gallant head,
Like banners in the air,
Shall float full many a daring hope,
And many a tender prayer!

Should freedom perish--at thy death,
'T'were folly to repine--
And I should every feeling lose,
Except the wish for mine!

But if the destiny of Spain,
Be once again to rise,
Oh! grant me heaven, to read the tale,
In Manuel's joyful eyes!

[The end]
Matilda Betham's poem: Manuel, I Do Not Shed A Tear [Vignette 8]

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