Adventures in California and Nicaragua, in Rhyme; A Truthful Epic (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1860 Excerpt: ...in hostile force arrayed. Though fallen sons of old Castilian race, Their Spanish pride still held its ancient place. But recently, their selfish plans had failed, And, for a time, fair Freedom's cause prevailed. Yet ever to their restless natures true, The Serviles raised Rebellion's flag anew. The principle they had so late professed, That popular rule were always the best, With perfidy they quickly now forsook, Plebean rule, too proud were they to brook. The war waged fierce, but on the battle field. The Liberals, at last, were forced to yield. Castillion fled; the Serviles ruled the day, Assumed to legislate, held wanton sway. The fierce Chamorro, by his rebel band, Was then declared chief ruler of the land. Liberals, all, assembled round their chief, And quick devised a plan to bring relief. As skillful, brave, and to adventure prone, Already, well, was William Walker known. To San Francisco he had late returned, From Mexico with reputation earned In reckless warfare on Sonora's plain, With purpose, fell, a foothold there to gain. His willing hand the Liberals invite, Their cause to aid, their enemies to fight. So in the month of May, in fifty-five, A little band, but fifty, did arrive On Nicaragua's soil at San Juan, With Grey-eyed William leading up the van. He went, 't is true, with more of haste than grace, With terms arranged as lawyers take a case Of client poor, who has no means to pay, Unless, in common phrase, he "gains the day." "Our cause is just," the vanquished party said, "But Might slew Right, and reigns in Justice's stead. The realm is ours; if we possession gain, Your pay shall be a slice of the domain." But ere that band had crossed the ocean spray, In death's cold arms the brave Castillion lay. Chamorro, ...