36 



The neighboui'ing mansions to their grief repl}'', 

 And every wall returns the mournful cry. 



The inhabitants of Conception, expecting every instant the 

 triumphant Lautaro at their gates, resolve to abandon their city. 

 A gallant veteran upbraids their cowardly design. They disregard 

 his reproaches, and evacuate the place : — when the Poet introduce^' 

 the following instance of female heroism : 



'Tis just that Fame a noble deed display, 

 Which claims remembrance, even to the day 

 When Memory's hand no more the pen shall use, 

 But sink in darkness, and her being lose : 

 The lovely Mencia, an accomplish'd Dame, 

 A valiant spirit in a tender frame, 

 Here firmly shew'd, as this dread scene began, 

 Courage now found not in the heart of man. 

 The bed of sickness 'twas her chance to press; 

 But when she heard the city's loud distress. 

 Snatching such weapons as the time allow'd, 

 She rush'd indignant midst the flying crowd. 



Now up the neighbouring hill they slowly wind, 

 And, bending oft their mournful eyes behind. 

 Cast a sad look, of every hope bereft, 

 i On those rich plains, the precious home they left. 



More poignant grief see generous Mencia feel, 

 More noble proof she gives of patriot zeal : 

 Waving a sword in her heroic hand. 

 In their tame march she stopt the timid band : 

 Cross'd the ascending road before their van, 

 And turning to the city, thus began : 



" Thou valiant nation, whose unequall'd toils 

 Have dearly purchas'd fame and golden s])oils, 

 Where is the courage ye so oft display'd 

 Against this foe, from whom ye shrink dismay'd ? 

 Where those high hopes, and that aspiring flame, 

 Which made immortal praise your constant aim ? 

 Where your firm souls, that every chance defied. 

 And native strength, that form'd your noble pride ? 

 Ah whither would you fly, in selfish fear, 

 In frantic haste, with no pursuer near ? 



