For a Monument at Tordesillas

Spaniard ! if thou art one who bows the knee
Before a despot's footstool, hie thee hence !
This ground is holy : here Padilla died.
Martyr of Freedom. But if thou dost love
Her cause, stand then as at an altar here,
And thank the Almighty that thine honest heart.
Full of a brother's feelings for mankind.
Revolts against oppression. Not unheard
Nor unavailing shall the grateful prayer
Ascend ; for honest impulses will rise,
Such as may elevate and strengthen thee
For virtuous action. Relics silver-shrined.
And chaunted mass, would wake within the soul
Thoughts valueless and cold compared with these.