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; 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, 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, 4 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 "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, Bear it to whom, if not to thee Shall I this lonely thought consign? Bear it to Bolton Priory, 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, 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. Placed there, that he might go before, And, with that rueful Banner borne Aloft, in sign of taunting scorn, He took it from the soldier's hand; In admiration or dismay, Bore instantly his Charge away." These things, which thus had in the sight And hearing passed of him who stood He told; and oftentimes with voice Go high, no transport ever higher. 66 Yes, God is rich in mercy," said The old Man to the silent Maid; "Yet, Lady! shines, through this black night, One star of aspect heavenly bright; Your Brother lives, he lives, is come Perhaps already to his home; Then let us leave this dreary place." CANTO SIXTH. WHY comes not Francis? - From the doleful City He fled, and, in his flight, could hear The death-sounds of the Minster bell: That sullen stroke pronounced farewell To Ambrose that! and then a knell For him, the sweet, half-opened Flower! -Why comes not Francis? Thoughts of love Should bear him to his Sister dear With the fleet motion of a dove; |