Why mention other thoughts unmeet Harp! we have been full long beguiled By vague thoughts, lured by fancies wild; To which, with no reluctant strings, Thou hast attuned thy murmurings; And now before this Pile we stand In solitude, and utter peace : But, Harp! thy murmurs may not cease A Spirit, with angelic wings, In soft and breeze-like visitings, Has touched thee-and a Spirit's hand: A voice is with us-a command To chant, in strains of heavenly glory, A tale of tears, a mortal story! CANTO SECOND. THE Harp in lowliness obeyed; And first we sang of the green-wood shade Beginning, where the song must end, Her last companion in a dearth Of love, upon a hopeless earth. For She it was this Maid, who wrought Meekly, with foreboding thought, In vermeil colours and in gold An unblest work; which, standing by, Her Father did with joy behold,— Exulting in its imagery; A Banner, fashioned to fulfil Too perfectly his headstrong will: For on this Banner had her hand The sacred Cross; and figured there Full soon to be uplifted high, And float in rueful company! It was the time when England's Queen Twelve years had reigned, a Sovereign dread; Nor yet the restless crown had been Disturbed upon her virgin head; Two Earls fast leagued in discontent, Who gave their wishes open vent ; And boldly urged a general plea, The rites of ancient piety To be triumphantly restored, By the dread justice of the sword! And that same Banner, on whose breast And sunshine to a dangerous strife; It came; and Francis Norton said, Bethink you of your own good name : Of peace on our humanity. 'Tis meet that I endure your scorn ; And live at home in blameless ease; Tumultuous noises filled the hall; He glanced a look of holy pride, Thy place be on my better hand ;— Will cleave to this good cause and me.” Thus, with his sons, when forth he came The sight was hailed with loud acclaim And din of arms and minstrelsy, From all his warlike tenantry, All horsed and harnessed with him to ride,— A voice to which the hills replied! But Francis, in the vacant hall, Faint-but it reached that sheltered spot; There stood he, leaning on a lance There stood he, cleansed from the despair And sorrow of his fruitless prayer. The past he calmly hath reviewed: |