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Romance and Poetry: Alvaro

Clara has accepted the presents, the lovers' hands are joined, and they are receiving the congratulations of their friends, when the sound of a distant trump tells of the enemy's approach. Alvaro, who is appointed to an active part against the enemy, parts sadly from Clara, who accompanies her father to his fortress of Galera. This fortress is the first that is besieged. Clara's father falls on the ramparts, and the Spaniards having fired the city, Alvaro makes his way to the burning house, and returns, bearing in his arms the bleeding form of his beautiful bride, mortally wounded by a soldier, who robbed her of her fatal jewels.

Alvaro makes a vow to discover the murderer of Clara, and, for this purpose, visits the Christian camp in disguise. Chance favours him, for some soldiers have been gambling, and had a dispute over their game, and they take the stranger for their umpire.