Once more the Rood had been upraised 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. And lay it on Saint Mary's shrine, I helmeted a brow though white, "Then Francis answered fervently, 'If God so will, the same shall be.' "Immediately, this solemn word Thus scarcely given, a noise was heard, And Officers appeared 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 : They met, when they had reached the door, The Banner, which a Soldier bore, One marshalled thus with base intent That he in scorn might go before, And, holding up this monument, Conduct them to their punishment; So cruel Sussex, unrestrained By human feeling, had ordained. The unhappy Banner Francis saw, And, with a look of calm command Inspiring universal awe, He took it from the Soldier's hand; Bore unobserved his Charge away," These things, which thus had in the sight And hearing passed of Him who stood With Emily, on the Watch-tower height, In Rylstone's woeful neighbourhood, He told; and oftentimes with voice Of power to comfort or rejoice; For deepest sorrows that aspire, Go high, no transport ever higher. "Yet, yet in this affliction," said The old Man to the silent Maid, "Yet, Lady! heaven is good- the night Shews yet a Star which is most bright; Your Brother lives he lives is come Perhaps already to his home; CANTO SIXTH. WHY comes not Francis? -Joyful cheer And glow of righteous indignation, He fled — yet in his flight could hear Thoughts of love Should bear him to his Sister dear - nor heeds He marked not, heard not as he fled; He felt, and made a sudden stand. He looked about like one betrayed: What hath he done? what promise made? Oh weak, weak moment! to what end Can such a vain oblation tend, And he the Bearer? · Can he go Carrying this instrument of woe, And find, find any where, a right To excuse him in his Country's sight? No, will not all Men deem the change A downward course, perverse and strange? Here is it, — but how, when? must she, The unoffending Emily, Again this piteous object see? Such conflict long did he maintain His own life into danger brought By this sad burden even that thought, Exciting self-suspicion strong, Swayed the brave man to his wrong. |