The Moorish Infanta And Alfonzo Ramos

Beneath the shade of an olive-tree
Stood the infanta fair;
A golden comb was in her hands,
And well she decked her hair.

To heaven she raised her eyes, and saw,
That early morning-tide,
A clump of spears and an armored band
From Guadalquivir ride.

Alfonzo Ramos with them came,
The admiral of Castile.
"Now welcome, Alfonzo Ramos!
Now welcome, steed and steel,
What tidings do you bring of my fleet,
What tidings of woe or weal?"

"I'll tell thee tidings, lady,
If my life thou wilt assure."
"Tell on, Alfonzo Ramos,
Thy life shall be secure."

"Seville, Seville has fallen,
To the arms of the Berber Moor."

"But for my word thy head this day
To the vultures had been tost!"
"If head of mine were forfeited,
Tis thine must pay the cost."