To him the Lady turned: "You said That Francis lives, he is not dead?” "Your noble Brother hath been spared; To take his life they have not dared; On him and on his high endeavor The light of praise shall shine for ever! Not vainly struggled in the might "I witnessed when to York they came, These were their triumph, these their pride; Nor wanted 'mid the pressing crowd Deep feeling, that found utterance loud, 'Lo, Francis comes,' there were who cried, 'A Prisoner once, but now set free! "T is well, for he the worst defied Through force of natural piety; He rose not in this quarrel, he, For concord's sake and England's good, Suit to his Brothers often made With tears, and of his Father prayed, And when he had in vain withstood Their purpose, then did he divide, He parted from them; but at their side Then peace to cruelty and scorn, "And so in Prison were they laid, O hear me, hear me, gentle Maid! For I am come with power to bless, By scattering gleams, through your distress, Of a redeeming happiness. Me did a reverent pity move And privilege of ancient love; And, in your service making bold, Entrance I gained to that stronghold. "Your Father gave me cordial greeting; ' But to his purposes, that burned Within him, instantly returned: He was commanding and entreating, And said, 'We need not stop, my Son! Thoughts press, and time is hurrying on,' And so to Francis he renewed His words, more calmly thus pursued. "Might this our enterprise have sped, Change wide and deep the Land had seen, A renovation from the dead, A spring-tide of immortal green: The darksome altars would have blazed The voice restored, the eye of Truth "A shadow of such thought remains, To cheer this sad and pensive time; A solemn fancy yet sustains One feeble Being, — bids me climb To attest my Faith, if not restore. "Hear, then,' said he, 'while I impart, My Son, the last wish of my heart. The Banner strive thou to regain; And, if the endeavor prove not vain, VOL. IV. And lay it on Saint Mary's shrine, "Then Francis answered, 'Trust thy Son, For, with God's will, it shall be done!' "The pledge obtained, the solemn word Thus scarcely given, a noise was heard, And Officers arose in state To lead the prisoners to their fate. They rose, O wherefore should I fear They rose, embraces none were given,— They stood like trees when earth and heaven Are calm; they knew each other's worth, And reverently the Band went forth. They met, when they had reached the door, He took it from the soldier's hand; High transport did the Father shed In admiration or dismay, Bore instantly his Charge away." These things, which thus had in the sight And hearing passed of him who stood |