  "Many of the families of Ghar el Milah are descendants of the Spanish Moors; and, though none of them have retained any portion of the language of Spain, yet many still possess the keys of their houses in Granada and other towns."—Sir Grenville Temple's "Barbary States." I. I keep the key,—though banish'd From blest Granada long, Our glorious race has vanish'd, Or lives alone in song. Though strangers in Alhambra May, idly musing, gaze On all the dying splendours That round her ruins blaze; Those towers had once a home for me, And still I keep the sacred key! II. Alas! my eyes may never That lovely land behold, Where many a gentle river Flows over sands of gold. The sparkling waves of Darro For me may flow in vain; No Moorish foot may wander In lost, but cherish'd Spain! Yet once her walls had room for me, And still I keep the sacred key! III. There often comes in slumber A vision sad and clear, When through Elvira's portals Abdalla's hosts appear. The keys of lost Granada To other hands are given, And all the power of ages One fatal hour has riven! No name,—no home remains for me,— But still I keep the sacred key! |
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