But he seized on his share of a steed that lay, XVII. Alp turned him from the sickening sight: But he better could brook to behold the dying, Deep in the tide of their warm blood lying, 435 Scorched with the death-thirst, and writhing in vain, There is something of pride in the perilous hour, 440 And Honour's eye on daring deeds! But when all is past, it is humbling to tread O'er the weltering field of the tombless dead, And see worms of the earth, and fowls of the air, All regarding man as their All rejoicing in his decay. prey, XVIII. There is a temple in ruin stands, Fashioned by long forgotten hands; 445 450 Two or three columns, and many a stone, Of the things to come than the things before! 455 Out upon Time! who for ever will leave But enough of the past for the future to grieve O'er that which hath been, and o'er that which must be: What we have seen, our sons shall see; Remnants of things that have passed away, Fragments of stone, reared by creatures of clay! XIX. He sate him down at a pillar's base, And passed his hand athwart his face; 460 Like one in dreary musing mood, Declining was his attitude; His head was drooping on his breast, Fevered, throbbing, and opprest; And o'er his brow, so downward bent, Hurriedly, as you may see Your own run over the ivory key, Ere the measured tone is taken By the chords you would awaken, 465 470 There he sate all heavily, As he heard the night-wind sigh. 475 Was it the wind, through some hollow stone, Sent that soft and tender moan? He lifted his head, and he looked on the sea, But it was unrippled as glass may be; He looked on the long grass-it waved not a blade; How was that gentle sound conveyed? 481 He looked to the banners-each flag lay still, So did the leaves on Citharon's hill, And he felt not a breath come over his cheek; 485 What did that sudden sound bespeak? He turned to the left-is he sure of sight? There sate a lady, youthful and bright! XX. He started up with more of fear "God of my fathers! what is here? 490 Where was the play of her soft lips fled? Gone was the smile that enlivened their red. The ocean's calm within their view, 505 Beside her eye had less of blue; But like that cold wave it stood still, And its glance, though clear, was chill. It was so wan, and transparent of hue, You might have seen the moon shine through. XXI. "I come from my rest to him I love best, "From a maid in the pride of her purity; "And the Power on high, that can shield the good "Thus from the tyrant of the wood, "Hath extended its mercy to guard me as well "From the hands of the leaguering infidel. "I come and if I come in vain, 520 525 530 "In falling away from thy father's creed: "But dash that turban to earth, and sign "The sign of the cross, and for ever be mine; "Wring the black drop from thy heart, "And to-morrow unites us no more to part." 535 "And where should our bridal couch be spread ? "In the 'midst of the dying and the dead? |