The Historians [Note 1] of the Empire near the period of time, at which this Poem commences, make mention of a Constantine, who assumed the purple of the western empire, gained possession of Gaul and Spain, but was defeated and slain at the battle of Arles. He had a son named Constans, who became a monk, and was put to death at Vienna. About the same time a Constantine appears in the relations of the old British Chronicles and Romances. He was brother of the king of Armorica, and became himself King, or rather an elected sovereign of the petty Kings of Britain [Note 2], who continued their succession under the Roman dominion. He was called Vendigard [Note 3] and Waredur, the Defender and Deliverer. He had three sons, Constans, who became a hermit, and was murthered, either (for the traditions vary) by the Picts, by Vortigern, or by the Saxons; Emrys, called by the Latin writers Aurelius Ambrosius; and Uther Pendragon, the father of Arthur. These two Constantines are here identified, and Vortigern supposed to have been named King of Britain, as the person of greatest authority and conduct in the wreck of the British army, defeated at Arles. Many, however, of the chiefs in the Island advancing the hereditary right, before formally settled on the sons of Constantine, Vortigern, mistrusting the Britons, and prest by invasions of the Caledonians, introduced the Saxons to check the barbarians and strengthen his own sovereignty. The Hero of the Poem is an historical character, as far as such legends can be called History. He appears in most of the Chronicles, as Edol, or Eldol, but the fullest account of his exploits is in Dugdale's Baronage under his title of Earl of Gloucester. William Harrison, however, in the Description of Britain prefixed to Holinshed, calls him Eldulph de Samor. But all concur in ascribing to him the acts which make the chief subject of the fifth and last Books of this Poem. Most of our present names of places being purely Saxon, and the old British having little of harmony or association to recommend them, I have frequently, on the authority of Camden and others, translated them. Thus the Saxon Gloucester, called by the Britons, Caer Gloew, is the Bright City. The Dobuni, the inhabitants of the Vales, are called by that name. Some few sanctioned by old usage of Poetry and Romance I retain, as Kent, Thanet, Cornwall. London is Troynovant, as the City of the Trinobantes. Some passages in the Poem will be easily traced to their acknowledged sources, the Poets of Greece and Italy; one however, in the third book, relating to the Northern mythology, has been remarkably anticipated in a modern Poem. The honourable Author may be assured that the conincidence is unintentional, as that part of this Poem was the earliest written, and previous to the appearance of his production.
BOOK I.
Land of my birth, oh Britain! and my love, Whose air I breathe, whose earth I tread, whose tongue My song would speak, its strong and solemn tones Most proud, if I abase not. Beauteous Isle, And plenteous! what though in thy atmosphere [5] Float not the taintless luxury of light, The dazzling azure of the Southern skies; Around thee the rich orb of thy renown Spreads stainless, and unsullied by a cloud. Though thy hills blush not with the purple vine, [10] And softer climes excel thee in the hue And fragrance of thy summer fruits and flowers, Nor flow thy rivers over golden beds; Thou in the Soul of man, thy better wealth, Art richest: nature's noblest produce thou, [15] The immortal Mind in perfect height and strength, Bear'st with a prodigal opulence; this thy right, Thy privilege of climate and of soil, Would I assert: nor, save thy fame, invoke, Or Nymph, or Muse, that oft 'twas dream'd of old [20] By falls of waters under haunted shades, Her extacy of inspiration pour'd O'er Poet's soul, and flooded all his powers With liquid glory: so may thy renown Burn in my heart, and give to thought and word The aspiring and the radiant hue of fire. [25]
Forth from the gates of Troynovant hath past King Vortigern; the Princes of the Isle Around him; on the walls, for then (though now Scorn bounds her mighty wilderness of streets, And in magnificence of multitude [30] Spread, and illimitable grandeur,) walls With jealous circuit and embattled range Girt Britain's narrow Capital; where swarm'd Eager her wondering citizens to see The Monarch. Him the Saxon Hengist met, [35] And Horsa, with their bands in triumph led, As from a recent victory; their blue eyes Sparkled, and proud they shook their saffron hair; And in the bicker of their spears, the toss Of ponderous mallets, the quick flash of swords, [40] Th' emblazon'd White Horse on their banners waved, Was triumph. Thus king Vortigern began:
"Welcome, Deliverers! of our kingdom's foes, Welcome, thrice-honour'd Conquerors! never more Shall painted Caledonian o'er our realm [45] The chariots of his rapine wheel, so full The desolation, havoc so complete Hath smote and blasted in Erle Hengist's path. The mouldering ruins of our Roman wall, Leagued with the terror of the Saxon name, [50] Shall be defence more mighty, than when soared Its battlements unbroken, and above The imperial Eagle shook its wings of gold. Oh, toil'd with victory, burthen'd with renown, For ye our baths float cool and clear, our air [55] Is redolent with garland wreaths, and rich Within our royal citadel is crown'd For ye the banquet; welcome once again, Mighty to save, and potent to defend!" -- A faint acclaim, a feeble sullen din [60] Ensued, with less of gladness than fierce grief, And wrath ill stifled. Seeming all unmoved, Elate the Monarch onward led the way; Slow follow'd Saxon Hengist's martial train, Clashing their armour loud, as they would daunt [65] All Britain with the clamour: march'd behind The island Nobles, save some restless hands Were busy with their sheathed swords, they mov'd Silent, and cold, and gloomy, as a range Of mountain pines, when cloudy lowers the storm. [70]
Upon the azure bosom of the Thames Reclining, with its ponderous mass of shade, Arose the royal Citadel, the work Of the great Cæsar. Danger he and dread Of Rome and Pompey; yet 'gainst savage foes [75] Vantage of trench and tower and massy wall Scorn'd not, so swift, so perilous, so fierce Cassivelan his painted charioteers Whirl'd to the frantic onset, standing forth Portent of freedom mid a world enslav'd. [80]
They pass'd the portal arch; the sumptuous hall Flung back its gates; around the banquet board Rang'd Prince and Chieftain, where luxurious art Shower'd prodigal her dainties, poisons sweet, And baleful splendour. Fierce the Saxon gaz'd [85] On goblet, and huge charger carved with gold, Contemptuous wonder. But the Monarch's brow 'Gan lighten, as with greedy joy he quaff'd Oblivious bliss; thus ever guilty soul Woos frenzy, and, voluptuous from despair, [90] Forgets itself to pleasure. High aloof, Each in his azure robe, the band of Bards Mingled the wanton luxuries of sound; Gentle melodious languour, melting fall, With faint effeminate flattery the soul [95] Guiling of manhood. Silent veil'd his harp White-hair'd Aneurin, and indignant tears Stood in the old man's eye, for wrathful shame To hear his godlike and heaven-breathing art Pampering loose revels with officious chime. [100] Then rose the glorious madness; forth he sprung, With one rude stroke along the clashing chords Won silence deep as of a summer eve After a noontide storm; his silver locks Wav'd proud, the kindling frenzy of his eye [105] Flash'd triumph, as the song of Chariots rose. The song that o'er the van of battle shower'd Pale horror, when that scourg'd Icenian Queen Through the square legions drove her car; were heard Her brazen wheels to madden, the keen scythes [110] Gride through their iron harvest; then rush'd route, Wail'd havoc; seem'd Bonduca fiercer urg'd The trampling steeds; behind her silence sank Along the dreary path of her revenge.
Ceas'd the bold strain, then deep the Saxon drain'd The ruddy cup, and savage joy uncouth [116] Lit his blue gleaming eyes: nor sate unmov'd The Briton Chiefs; fierce thoughts began to rise Of ancient wars, and high ancestral fame. Sudden came floating through the hall an air [120] So strangely sweet, the o'erwrought sense scarce felt Its rich excess of pleasure; softer sounds Melt never on the enchanted midnight cool, By haunted spring, where elfin dancers trace Green circlets on the moonlight dews; nor lull [125] Becalmed mariner from rocks, where basks At summer noon the Sea-maid; he his oar Breathless suspends, and motionless his bark Sleeps on the sleeping waters. Now the notes So gently died away, the silence seem'd [130] Melodious; merry now and light and blithe They danced on air: anon came tripping forth In frolic grace a maiden troop, their locks Flower-wreath'd, their snowy robes from clasped zone Fell careless drooping, quick their glittering feet [135] Glanc'd o'er the pavement. Then the pomp of sound Swell'd up, and mounted; as the stately swan, Her milk-white neck embower'd in arching spray, Queens it along the waters, entered in The lofty hall a shape so fair, it lull'd [140] The music into silence, yet itself Pour'd out, prolonging the soft extacy, The trembling and the touching of sweet sound. Her grace of motion and of look, the smooth And swimming majesty of step and tread, [145] The symmetry of form and feature, set The soul afloat, even like delicious airs Of flute or harp: as though she trod from earth, And round her wore an emanating cloud Of harmony, the Lady mov'd. Too proud [150] For less than absolute command, too soft For aught but gentle amorous thought: her hair Cluster'd, as from an orb of gold cast out A dazzling and o'erpowering radiance, save Here and there on her snowy neck repos'd In a sooth'd brilliance some thin wandering tress. [155] The azure flashing of her eye was fring'd With virgin meekness, and her tread, that seem'd Earth to disdain, as softly fell on it As the light dew-shower on a tuft of flowers. The soul within seem'd feasting on high thoughts, [160] That to the outward form and feature gave A loveliness of scorn, scorn that to feel Was bliss, was sweet indulgence. Fast sank back Those her fair harbingers, their modest eyes, Downcast, and drooping low their slender necks [165] In graceful reverence; she, by wond'ring gaze Unmov'd, and stifled murmurs of applause, Nor yet unconscious, slowly won her way To where the King, amid the festal pomp, Sate loftiest; as she rais'd a fair-chas'd cup, [170] Something of sweet confusion overspread Her features; something tremulous broke in On her half-failing accents, as she said, "Health to the King!" -- the sparkling wine laugh'd up, As eager 'twere to touch so fair a lip. [175]
A moment, and the apparition bright Had parted; as before, the sound of harps Was wantoning about the festive hall.
As one just waking from a blissful dream Nor moves, nor breathes, lest breath or motion break [180] The beauteous tissue of fine form woven o'er His fancy, sate king Vortigern. "Whence came, And whither went she? of what race and stem Sprang this bright wonder of our earth, that leaves The rapture of her presence in our hall, [185] Though parted thence too swiftly?" -- "King (replied Erle Hengist) -- in our ancient Saxon faith, Ill bodes the joyless feast, where maiden's lips Pledge not the wassail goblet." -- "By my soul," Cried Vortigern, "a gallant faith! and I [190] Omen so sweet discredit not; the health Those smooth lips wish'd me, well those lips might give, A fragrance and a sparkling have they left Even on the wine they touch'd." -- He said, and prest The goblet to his own. "A father's ear, [195] King Vortigern, must love the flattering tongue That descants lavish on his daughter's praise." "Thy daughter? Saxon!" -- "Mine, though vaunt not I Her beauty, many a German Erle and King Hath vow'd at his life's peril to proclaim [200] Her far-surpassing comeliness." -- None heard The secret converse that ensued. Lo, rose King Vortigern, and from his brow transferr'd A coronet of radiant Eastern gems To the white hair of Hengist, and drank off [205] A brimming cup, and cried, "To Kent's high King A health, a health to Vortigern's fair bride, The golden-hair'd Rowena." -- Seiz'd at once Each Saxon the exulting strain, and struck The wine-drain'd goblet down, "Health, King of Kent!"
As mid the fabled Libyan bridal stood [211] Perseus, in stern tranquillity of wrath, Half stood, half floated at his ancle plumes Out-swelling, while the bright face on his shield Look'd into stone the raging fray; so rose, [215] But with no magic arms, wearing alone Th' appalling and control of his firm look, The solemn indignation of his brow, The Briton Samor; at his rising, awe Went abroad, and the riotous hall was mute; [220] But like unruffled summer waters flow'd His speech, and courtly reverence smooth'd its tone.
"Sovereign of Britain's Sovereigns! of our crowns The highest! in our realm of many thrones Enthron'd the loftiest! mighty as thou art, [225] Thou dost outstep thy amplitude of sway; Thine is our isle to govern not to give; A free and sacred property hast thou In our allegiance; for a master's right Over our lives, our princedoms, and our souls, [230] King Vortigern, as well mayst thou presume To a dominion o'er our winds, to set Thy stamp and impress on our light from heaven. This Britain cannot rest beneath the shade Of Saxon empire, this our Christian soil [235] The harvest of obedience will not bear To Heathen sway; and hear me, Vortigern, The golden image that thou settest up, Like the pride-drunken Babylonian king, Though dulcimer and psaltery soothe us down [240] To the soft humour of submission tame, We will not worship." -- From the hall he past, Thus saying. Him the Island's brave and proud Follow'd, the high and fame-enamour'd souls, Never to Britain wanting, though in hours [245] Loosest of revels soft, and wanton ease. But Vortigern, more largely pouring in The vine's delicious poison, sate, and cried, "Whom the flax binds not, must the iron gyve, Whom sceptres daunt not, must the sword control."
Evening fell gentle, and the brilliant sun [251] Was going down into the waveless Thames, As bearing light and warmth to her cold Nymphs Within their crystal chambers, when the King Left the hall of banquet. Lofty and alone, [255] Even as the Pillar great Alcides set, The limit of the world and his renown, On Calpe, round whose shaft the daylight wreathed Its last empurpling, on the battlements Stood Samor in the amethystine light, [260] And "Go to darkness, thou majestic orb! To-morrow shall the nations bask again In thy full glory." -- Thus he said, and turn'd To where the King went rapid past. -- "And thou, Thou to thy setting hastest, never more [265] Thou thy benighted splendour to renew; Late at thy noon of pride, now sunk, declined For ever from thy fair meridian, go Into thy cloudy rest!" -- The solemn tone Of his deep voice seized on the King, as frosts [270] Arrest the rapid flowing stream. -- "What means The Sovereign of the Vales, even in my halls, And on my castle battlements, to cast Bold scorn on Britain's king? Ingrate, and blind, When I the valiant Saxon have brought in [275] To check the Caledonian, through your isle Marching by wild light of your burning towns; Ye, wedded to your sorrow and your shame, Mock at the safety my free love provides." "Ah, provident! ah, sage! ah, generous King! [280] That sets the emaciate wolf to dog the flock; The hawk to guard the dovecote." -- "Wise-lipp'd chief, I thank thee for thy phrase: doves are ye, doves That fly with piteous and most delicate speed Before the Scottish kites, that swoop your nests [285] And flesh their greedy talons in your young." -- "Monarch! the eaglet, were it smoothly nurst In the dove's downy nest, at its first flight Would shrink down dazzled from the morning sun; But with strong plumes refresh'd, anon 'twould claim Its old aspiring birthright, and unblench'd [291] Bathe in the bickering of the noontide car. Oh, we have slumber'd on soft luxury's lap, To her loose tabret; but, misjudging King! Britain is like her soil; above the turf [295] Lies velvet smooth, hard iron lurks beneath. I know the northern Pagans waste our land, And the tame mission to the Roman sent I know, 'The fierce Barbarian to the sea Drives us, the sea to the Barbarian back [300] Merciless': so ran the plaintive legend. True! But soldiers would it cast us back; despair Hath its own valour; war makes warriors. King! Calamities are on us, evil days O'er our isle darken, but the noble wear [305] Disaster, as an Angel wears his wings, To elevate and glorify. Nor us Shroudeth along the enveloping gloom, the frame And fabric of our world is breaking up. Rome's dome of empire, that o'ervaulted earth [310] With its capacious shadow, rent and split, Disorders the smooth course of human things, Leaving confusion lord of this wide ball, While to and fro the Nations sway perplex'd, Like a tempestuous sea. Oh, mid such wreck, [315] Our Britain in lone safety to uphold, On every side 'gainst gathering foes present A rampire of hard steel, or firmer far, The bulwark of a haughty spirit pour'd From the thron'd Sovereign through her sons, were pride, Were honour, might arrest Heaven's plumed hosts. [321] And in their sphere-born music win renown. So He whose sceptre glitters in thy grasp, He the Deliverer, the Defender nam'd, So Constantine had done, had the high Soul's bane, [325] Ambition, never maddened him to wear The purple, madly worn, yet nobly lost On the sad plain by Arles." -- "I knew, I knew 'Twould come to this, that Constantine would end The high-wrought orat'ry. This too I know, [330] And this I tell thee, Samor! nor yet add Rebel! thy secret commerce with his sons, To undermine my stately throne; the right, So babble ye in your licentious phrase, Conferr'd by our assembled British Kings [335] On Constantine for ever and his heirs." --
"Alas! how better were it to know nought, Than, like Kings, darkly. Constantine's brave sons And Samor oft have met, have met to wail The hazard of their native land, to swear [340] Before the altar of the eternal God, Never, amid these rude and perilous times, To blow the trump of civil strife, to prop With their allegiance Britain's throne, though fill'd By one they deem usurping. Vortigern! [345] I am upon the string that jars thy soul, And it must vibrate to its highest pitch. Oh what a royal madness, that might build Upon the strong rock of a people's love, Yet chooseth the loose quicksand of distrust, [350] And overlays the palace of his pride With a rude Saxon buttress, whose stern weight Must crush it. Thou dost fear thy subjects arm'd, Fear, lest the old valiance in their hearts inure, And therefore fight'st their wars with foreign steel; [355] And is this he, the noble and the wise, The Vortigern, that Britain on the plain Of Arles, that fatal plain, hail'd Captain, King? Arise, be King, be Captain, be thyself! And we will stand around thy throne, and mock [360] The ruinous fashion of the times." -- "Away! My royal word is to the Saxon given." "Oh, Vortigern! this knee hath never bow'd, Save to the King of Kings, thus low on earth I sue thee, cast the Saxon off." -- At once [365] The swift contagious grandeur set on fire The Monarch -- "I am thine, am Britain's all: Now by my throne, thus, thus I have not felt, Since first this circling gold eat in my brow, So free, so upright, and so kingly, chains [370] Fall from me, mists are curling off my soul."
Like two bold Venturers, silently they stand, Launching amid the sun-light their rich bark O'er glassy waters to the summer airs: Their solemn pondering hath the lofty look [375] Of vaunting, over each high brow flames out A noble rivalry of hope and pride.
The sound of wheels, lo, sliding came and smooth A car, wherein, like some fair Idol led Through the mute tumult of adoring streets, [380] Bright-hair'd Rowena pass'd the portal arch.
Have ye a sense, ye gales, a conscious joy In beauty, that with such an artful touch And light ye float about her garment folds, Displaying what is exquisite display'd, [385] And thinly scattering the light veil where'er Its shadowing may enhance the grace, and swell With sweet officiousness the clustering hair Where fairest tufts its richness, and let fall Where drooping most becomes; that thus ye love [390] To lose yourselves about her, and expire Upon her shape, or snow-white robes? She stood, Her ivory arm in a soft curve stretch'd out, As only in the obedience of her steeds Rejoicing; they their necks arch'd proud and high, [395] And by her delicate and flower-soft hands Sway'd, as enamour'd of her mastery mov'd, Lovingly on their bright-chaf'd bits repos'd, Or in gay sport upon each other fawn'd. But as the Monarch she beheld, she caught [400] The slack rein up, and with unconscious check Delay'd the willing coursers, and her head, Upon her ivory shoulder half declin'd In langour of enjoyment, rising wore Rosy confusion, and disorder fair [405] Transiently on her pride of motion broke. Or chance, or meaning wander'd to his face Her eye, with half command, entreating half; Haughty to all the world, but mild to him, Th' all admir'd admiring, and th' all-awing awed -- [410] She look'd on him, and trembled as she look'd.
Alone she came, along she went not on.
BOOK II.
Noon is ablaze in Heaven, but gloom, the gloom Of the brown forest's massy vault of shade, Is o'er the Kings of Britain; the broad oaks, As in protection of that conclave proud, Like some old temple's dome, with mingling shade [5] Meet overheard, around their rugged trunks Shew like fantastic pillars closely set By Druids in mysterious circle, wont Here, when the earth abroad was bright and clear With moonshine, to install their midnight rites [10] By blue nor earthly kindled fires, while Bards Pour'd more than music from their charmed harps.
Each on his mossy seat, in arms that cast A glimmer which is hardly light, they sit Colossal, stern, and still; on every brow [15] Indignant sorrow and sad vengeance lowers. Them had the Pagan peasant deem'd his Gods, In cloudy wrath down stooping from the heavens To blast the mighty of mankind, and wreak On some old empire ruin and revenge. [20]
And first majestical yet mild arose A lofty shape, nor less than monarch seem'd, Whose royal look from souls bold, brave, and free, Not stooping slavery claim'd, but upright awe And noble homage; yet uncrown'd, he wore [25] Dominion, him with stately reverence heard That armed Senate. "Princes of the land, Lords of the old hereditary thrones Of Britain, we, the sons of Constantine, Emrys and Uther, come not here to charge [30] Inconstant counsel on your wisdom, nought Arraigning, that the sceptre to our line Solemnly given, in those disastrous days, When for the Empire of the Occident, For Gaul o'er-master'd, and submitted Spain, [35] Warr'd Constantine, and warring nobly fell, Ye placed in elder hand, our right foregone For the more precious public weal: oh, Chiefs, 'Twas well and wisely done; a stripling's arm May rear the kingly standard in its pomp [40] To play with Zephyrs under cloudless skies, But when the rude storm shakes it ponderous folds 'Twere hard for less than the consummate man Aloft to bear it, yet unstooping. Well Stemm'd your new standard-bearer Vortigern [45] The o'ershadowing tempest, nor abas'd his front Your crown's old glories; till alas! dire change! Dread fall! the sceptre that ye fondly hoped, Would blossom, like the Hebrew Hierarch's rod, With the almond bloom of mercy and of love, [50] Liker the Egyptian magic-worker's wand Became a serpent, withering all your peace With its infection: then your virtues wrought Your sorrows, from your valour grew your shame. Your borders were o'erleap'd, your towns on fire, [55] And the land groan'd beneath fierce Rapine's wheels. Ye cried unto your King for arms, he sage In cold and jealous wisdom fear'd to arm, Whose arms might brave himself, and cast control On the fierce wanderings of his royal will. [60] Saxons must fight our wars, our hard-wrung gold Buy us ignoble safety, till the slaves Swell'd into Lords, and realms must pamper Our hirelings into Princes; Kent, fair Kent, The frontlet of our isle, where yet are seen [65] The graves great Cæsar peopled with his dead, When on his rear the Briton conqueror hung, Where first the Banner of the Cross was wav'd, Sinks to a Heathen province. Warriors! Kings! This must not be among baptized men, [70] This cannot be 'mong Britons. Therefore here, Here in your presence dare we call again, Your throne our throne, and challenge in your love A Sovereign's title, by our youth we fell From that great height, but Vortigern hath fall'n [75] By his own guilt, we therefore rise again In majesty renew'd; he falls, no more To soar into the sacred royal seat."
Thereat with concord loud, and stern acclaim, Gave answer that proud Senate, and denounc'd [80] Judgment irrevocable. But with mien Somewhat appall'd, as one in high debate And solemn council unassay'd, arose Prince Uther; ere he spake his clanging mail Smote with fierce stroke, an audience to enchain, [85] Himself the battle sound enkindling, high His haughty brow and crested helm upflung, Thus rude his fiery eloquence pour'd forth.
"Warriors of Britain! me nor pomp of words Beseems, nor strife of smooth and liquid phrase, [90] In the debate of swords, the fray of steeds No combatant unskill'd. I will not boast That I have brook'd with Emrys' patient pride A sceptre's loss; a boy, I wept to hear My father's crown was on a stranger's brow. [95] But when my arm gan grasp a sword, those tears Those soft unseemly waters, turn'd to hues Of burning indignation; every crown Shew'd, every kingly title to my ear Sounded a scorn and shame. Even at his height [100] And plenitude of power I yearned to rise Against th' enthron'd Usurper -- now, oh Kings! Thus charter'd, thus commission'd, thus array'd, With what a noble phrenzy will we rush, Trampling the wreck of Saxon and of King; [105] Our path shall be as rapid and as bright As summer meteor, more pernicious, that Waning into the dull unkindling air, We burning, desolating as we pass. On, Britons, on, a tyrant fills your throne, [110] Nor fitter monument may tyrant find Than his throne's ruins; let the flat earth close O'er both at once; the stranger Saxon lord's Within our isle, the seas that bore him here, In his storm-braving navy, bear him back [115] Weltering and tossing in their drowning surge.
Low'ring he stood, still in fierce act of speech, Yet speechless. Sudden, then, in dread uproar Rose shout of war, with thundering clash of arms Mingled, then hurrying spears and nodding helms [120] With glittering tumult in the pale gloom flash'd; War, war each voice, each striken shield denounc'd.
Amid the multitudinous din arose Solemnly the Bright City's Lord, down sunk Instant all tumult, broke abruptly off [125] Fierce voice and clash of arms: so mute and deep Settled the silence, the low sound was heard Of distant waterfall, the acorn drop From the green arch above. Still and abash'd Sate the fierce conclave, while with mild reproof [130] Winning all hearts, the gracious Chieftain spake.
"Brave sight for earth and heaven! it doth not fail A nation's cry for freedom and for faith, Nor faint, nor deaden in the mist and gloom Of this low earth, it takes the morning's wings, [135] Passeth the crystal skies, and beats heaven's gate; There glideth through the gladdening Angel choirs, That fan it onward with their favouring plumes, To the eternal sapphire throne, and him That sits thereon, Ineffable. Oh Kings, [140] Our council thus appealing may not wear Seeming of earthly passion, lust of sway, Or phrenetic vengeance: we must rise in wrath, But wear it as a mourner's robe of grief, Not as a garb of joy: must boldly strike, [145] But like the Roman, with reverted face, In sorrow to be so enforc'd. Brave Chiefs, It would misseem a son of this proud isle, To trample on the fallen, though a King; It would misseem a Christian to rejoice [150] Where virtue hath play'd false, and fame's pure light Hath sicken'd to dishonourable gloom. Vortigern is our foe, no more our King, Yet King he hath been, King he had been still, Had never his high vaulting pride disdain'd [155] The smooth dominion of old use, nor striven To fix on our impatient necks the yoke Of foreign usurpation; our free land Will not endure the heathen Saxons rule, Nor him that rules by heathen Saxon power. [160] So march we forth in th' armour of our right, From our once King not falling off in hate Of fickleness, but by severe constraint Of duty to ourselves and to our God. So march we forth, and in such state may make [165] Our mother land to vaunt of us; raise up, Side by side, the fair airs to captivate To an approval of our upright deed, Our royal banner and the Cross of Christ; And move within their cirque of splendour, calm, [170] And yet resistless as the bright-man'd steeds That bear the Morn to disenthrone old Night.
And now our kingly sceptre, forced aside, By stress and pressure of disorder'd times, Devious into an alien hand, reverts [175] To the old line; the heir of Constantine, Constans, the elder than this noble pair, Stands foremost on succession's golden roll. Nor know not I his gentle soul more apt, To listen to the soft flowing vesper hymn, [180] Than danger's spirit-stirring trump, yet deem, Thus once forewarn'd, 'tis dangerous to divert The stream of royal blood, that broken, pours Waters of bitterness and civil strife O'er th' harass'd land, and therefore thus hail I [185] Constans the King of Britain. Speak I right? I pause, and wait, oh Chiefs, your high award."
He ceased, nor time for voice or swift acclaim, Scowling a sullen laugh of scorn, leaped forth The mountain King, the Sovereign of the lakes [190] And dales this side the Caledonian bound; He only, when the Kings sate awe-struck, stood Elate with mocking pity in his frown; A mighty savage, he of God and man Alike contemptuous; nought of Christian lore [195] Knew he, yet scoff'd unknown, 'twas peaceful, meek, Thence worthless knowledge. Him delighted more Helvellyn's cloud-wrapt brow to climb, and share The eagle's stormy solitude; 'mid wreck Of whirlwinds and dire lightnings huge he stood, [200] Where his own Gods he deem'd on volleying clouds Abroad were riding and black hurricane. Them in their misty pride assail'd he oft With impious threat, and laugh'd when th' echoing glens His wild defiance cast unanswered back. [205] Now with curl'd lip of scorn, and brow uplift, Lordly command, not counsel, fierce he spake. -- "Shame, coward shame! as though the fowls of heaven, When in dusk majesty and pride of wing Sails forth the monarch eagle, down should stoop [210] In homage to the daw. Oh craven souls, When Snowdon or high Skiddaw's brow is bare, To plant the stately standard of revolt Upon a molehill. Constans! that to him Caswallon should bow down; aloft our crown [215] Upon the giddy banner staff, that rocks On Troynovant's tall citadel, uphang, And who the dizzy glory will rend down, Or Constans or Caswallon? The bright throne Environ with grim ranks of steel-girt men: [220] Huge Saxons black with grisly scars of war, Who first will hew to that triumphal seat His ruinous path? Hear, sceptred Britons, hear, A counsel worthy the deep thoughts of kings: Of valorous achievement and bold deeds [225] Be guerdon to the mightiest of our Isle, The Sov'reignty of Britain; spurn my voice, And I renounce your counsels, cast you off, And with my hardy vassals of the north I join the Saxon." -- Then fierce sounds again [230] Broke out, wan flames of brandish'd armour flash'd. In rude disorder and infuriate haste Sprang every warrior from his seat, as clouds Amid the sultry heaven, thunderous and vast, Gather their blackening disarray to burst [235] Upon some mountain turrets, so the chiefs Banded their fierce confusion to rush on, And whelm in his insulting pride the foe.
He stood as one in joy, and lower'd a smile, With wolf-skin robe flung back, broad shield outstrech'd, And battle axe uplift: vaunting and huge [241] As fabled giant on embattled Heaven Glaring not less than utter overthrow, And total wreck; forthwith a youth rush'd out, His moony buckler high upheld to bar [245] The onset, and with voice, which youthful awe Temper'd to tone less resolute, address'd The haughty Chieftain. "Father, deem not thou, Malwyn confederate in thy lawless thought, Mine is a Briton's soul, a Briton's sword, [250] But mortal man that seeks thy life, must pass O'er Malwyn's corpse." Back Chief and King recoil'd, In breathless admiration. Nobler pride, And human joy almost to softness smooth'd Caswallon's rugged brow. "Well hast thou said, [255] Son of Caswallon, worthy of thy sire! On thine own track mount thou to fame, nor swerve For man, or more than man." -- Awhile the Kings Brief parley held, then stately and severe Rose Emrys, and pronounc'd their stern arrest. [260]
"Caswallon of the Mountains, long our isle Hath mark'd thy wavering mood, now friend now foe; Now in the Caledonian inroad prompt To bear thy share in rapine, foremost now In our high councils. This we further say, [265] We scorn thy war, Caswallon, hate thy peace, And deem it of our mercy that, unscath'd, We ban thee from our presence." Nor reply Caswallon deign'd; calm strode he as in scorn Of wrath 'gainst foes so lowly. Far was heard [270] His tread along the rocky path, the crash Of branches rent by his unstooping helm. They in blank wonder sate, nor wholly quell'd Wrath and insulted majesty, with look As he were still in presence fix'd, and stern. [275] Then spake Prince Emrys, "Not of trivial toil To shape the rude trunk of our enterprize To smooth perfection; deeply must we found, And strongly build the fabric of our hopes, And each must hold his charge. Be, Samor, thine [280] To bear our brother Constans Britain's crown, In name of our assembled Kings. Be mine From the Armoric shore, King Hoel's realm, (Our father's brother, Hoel) to embark The succours of his high-fam'd Chivalry. [285] Thou, Uther, to the West; each other King Unto his own, at signal of revolt To lead his armed Vassallage abroad."
So saying, each departed; fell again The ancient silence on the solemn place. [290]
Together from the forest pass'd the friends, Samor and Elidure; below their way Went wandering on through flowery meads, or sank Beneath green arches dim of beechen shade. Around the golden hills in summer wealth [295] Bask'd in the sunshine; on a river bank Long gleaming down its woodland course, repos'd Many a white hamlet: even fierce shrines of war Wore aspect mild of peace; towers dark of yore And rugged in the Roman war array, [300] With wanton ivy and gray moss o'ergrown, Their green crowns melted in the azure heavens.
"Oh grief! o'er yon fair meads and smiling lawns Must steeds of carnage batten, men of blood Their fell magnificence of murtherous pomp [305] Pavilion in yon placid groves of peace. The blood-thirst savages of wood and air, In meet abodes of wilderness and woe, Shroud their abhorred revels; the gaunt wolf Prowls gloomy o'er the wintry blasted heath; [310] Brood desolate on some bare mountain peak Raven and screaming vulture. Man, fell man, Envious of bliss he scorns, 'mid haunts of peace, Spots fair and blissful, the rare stars of earth, Plays ever his foul game of spoil and death, [315] Ruthless, then vaunts himself Creation's pride, Supreme o'er all alone in deeds of blood."
Thus Elidure; him Samor, from deep trance Wakening, addrest: "Soft man of peace, my prayer Would ask of heaven no theatre of strife [320] Save yon fair plain, there forth the weak would start In the tumultuous valour of despair, The timorous proudly tower in scorn of death: There, where each tree, each dell, each grassy knoll, Lovely from memory of some past delight, [325] Is kindred to the soul; his house of prayer, The altar of his bridal vow, the font Of his sweet infants baptism, kindred all, Holiest and last, his fathers peaceful graves: Oh, were all Britain, like yon beauteous plain, [330] Blissful and free, that angels there might walk Forgetful of their heavenly bowers of light, Friend of my boyhood, these all-conquering foes, Who fetter the free winds, and ride the sea Kinglike, their menacing prows would turn aloof, [335] And bitterly, in baffled lust of prey, Curse the proud happiness that mock'd their might."
Lo, ere he paus'd, gay files of dazzling light Slow o'er the plain advancing, indistinct From their full brightness, gradual the long blaze [340] Broke into form, and lance and bow and helm, Standard and streamer, chariot and fair steed, Start from the mingled splendour. On their height Unseen, the Chieftains watch'd the winding pomp. And all before the azure-vested Bards [345] From glancing instruments shook bridal glee. Then came the gorgeous chariots, rough with gold, And steeds their proud heads nodding with rich weight Of frontlet wreathed with flowers and shadowy plumes; Therein sate ladies robed in costly state, [350] Each like a Queen; the noble charioteers, Briton in garb, with purple mantle loose, O'er steel, in network bright, or scale o'er scale, Glittering, and aventayle barr'd close and firm, As yet the gaudy traitors shamed to meet [355] The cold keen glance of countryman betray'd. Dark in their iron arms, some wildly girt With Caledonian spoils, their yellow hair Down from the casque in broad luxuriant flow Spreading, and lofty banner wide display'd, [360] Whereon a milk-white courser reinless shone, Pace forth the Saxon warriors. High o'er all, Tempestuous Horsa, chafing his hot steed, And Hengist with his wreath of amber beads, [Note 4] His hoary strength, in spite of age or toil, [365] A tower of might: with that tall grove of spears, Circled, and rampire close of serried shields, The bridegroom Monarch rode, his bright attire Peaceful, as fitting nuptial pomp, his robe Rich-floating strew'd the earth with purple shade, [370] And on his lofty brow a regal crown, Bright as a wreath of sunbeams; high his arm The ivory sceptre bore of kingly sway: Yet who his mien and bearing watch'd had seen Dim gleam of jealous steel, or lurking mail [375] Beneath those glorious trappings, for his gaze, Now jocund, chang'd anon to wandering stare, Fearful and wild, as the still air were rife With vengeful javelins showering death, his pace Hurried, yet tardy, as of one who rides [380] O'er land still tottering with an earthquake shock.
And him beside, on snowy palfrey, deck'd With silver bells its pendant mane profuse, Of silver and of stainless ermelin The bright caparisons, and all her robes [385] White as of woven lily cups, the Bride Majestic rode as on a moving throne. Her sunbright hair she wav'd, and smil'd around, As though, of less than kingly Paramour Scornful, she said, Lo, Britain, through your land [390] I lead the enthralled Sovereign of your isle. Yet so surpassing fair, brief instant wish'd Those wrathful Briton Chiefs their leafy screen A thin transparent cloud: of his high charge Brief while forgetful, Samor stood entranced, [395] Fearing her form should fleet too swift away.
Came it from earth or air, yon savage shape, His garb, if garb it be, of shaggy hair Close folding o'er his dusky limbs, his locks And waving matted beard like cypress boughs [400] On bleak heath swaying to the midnight storm? Came he from yon deep wood? On the light spray No leaf is stirring. On the winged winds Rode he? No breeze awakes the noontide air. 'Mid that arm'd throng, dismaying, undismay'd [405] With a strange eye dilated, as unus'd To common sights of earth, and voice that seem'd Rarely to hold discourse with human ears, "Joy," and again, and thrice he uttered "Joy." Cower'd Horsa on his palsied steed; aghast, [410] As toiling to despise that thing he fear'd, Sate Hengist. "Joy to Bridegroom and to Bride! Why should not man rejoice, and earth be glad? Beyond the sphere of man, the round of earth, There's loud rejoicing, 'tis not in the heavens! [415] And many ministrant Angels shake their wings In gladness, wings that are not plum'd with light. The dead are jocund, not the dead in bliss. Your couch is blest -- by all whose blessings blast, All things unlovely gratulate your love. [420] I see the nuptial pomp, the nuptial song I hear, and full the pomp, for Hate, and Fear, And excellent Dishonour, and bright Shame, And rose-cheek'd Grief, and jovial Discontent, And that majestic herald, Infamy, [425] And that high noble, Servitude, are there, A blithesome troop, a gay and festive crew. And the Land's curses are the bridal hymn; Sweetly and shrilly doth th' accordant Isle Imprecate the glad Hymenean song. [430] So joy again, I say, to Britain's King, That taketh to his bosom Britain's fate, Her beautiful destruction to his bed. And joy to Britain's Queen, who bears her Lord So bright a dow'ry and profuse, long years [435] Of war and havoc, and fair streams of blood, And plenteous ruin, loss of crown and fame, And full perdition of the immortal soul; So thrice again I utter 'joy,' 'joy,' 'joy!'"
Then upsprung spear to strike, and bicker'd bow; [440] Ere spear could strike, or shaft could fly, the path Was bare and vacant; shape nor sound remain'd; Only the voice of Vortigern moan'd out, "Merlin;" -- and on the long procession past.
Down in a quiet dale, where beechen groves [445] With interchanging gold and glossy green O'ermantled the smooth slopes, that fell around Like a fair amphitheatre, beneath A brook went wand'ring through fresh meadow banks, With a cool summer dashing, here the Chiefs [450] The royal Hermit met, his gentle brow Smooth as a slumbering Angel's plumes (effaced All traces of this rude and wearing earth, All brands of fiery passions, wild desires) Wore that calm holiness the sainted dead [455] Smile on the visions of their lov'd on earth: His life was like a sleep, with heavenly sights, And harmonies, as of angelic sounds Visited ever, nor his barren heart Touch'd not the light affections, trembled not [460] His spirit with loves fervent swell, but all Most wont to bear man's soul to earth, round him As the thin morning clouds around the lark, Gather'd, to float him upward to the heavens.
They at his feet down laid the kingly crown, [465] Fulfill'd their lofty mission. He, the while, With that mild sadness he had watch'd the leaves Drip from the sere autumnal bough, survey'd Its stately glittering. "Men of earth, why mock, With gaudy pageantry, and titled pomp, [470] The frail and transient pilgrims of this world. The fading flag-flower on yon streamlet brink, Were garland meeter for our mortal brows Than yon rich blaze of gems." "Prince," Samor spake "Sweet is it down the silent vale of life [475] To glide away, of all but Heaven forgot, Forgetting all but Heaven. Of king-born men, Lords of mankind, high delegates of Heaven, Loftier the doom, their rare prerogative The luxury of conferring bliss. Oh, Prince, [480] Not by the stream to slumber, not to waste Idly in joyous dreams the drowsy hours, Hath Heaven thy kingly heritage ordain'd: Set badge of Empery on thy brow: of God The noblest service is to serve mankind, [485] To save a nation all a mortal's power, To imitate the Saviour of the world."
Calm answer'd Constans, "Earth's exalted fame, Grandeurs and glories gleam upon my soul Like wintery sun-light on a plain of snow. [490] With prayers, a Hermit's arms, I aid your cause, Farewell. Why pause ye, as to question more The wisdom of my choice -- lo, yon fair orb; How spotless the fine azure where he holds His secret palace, knows not his pure light [495] A stain of dimness, till th'abode of men Pours o'er it its infectious mists." "Oh, Prince, 'Tis not the glory of that peerless light, The barren glittering, the unfruitful waste Of splendour on the still inanimate skies, [500] It is the life, the motion, and the joy It breathes along this world of man, the broad Munificence of blessing that awakes, And in its rapturous gratitude springs up, To glorify its bounteous source of pride." [505]
"I see thy brow at thine own words on fire; Mine, Samor, yet is calm and cold." "Dost thou, Constans, all title, claim, and right renounce To Britain's throne?" "Even free as I renounce The everlasting enemy of man." [510] "Will thy voice mingle with the general cry, 'Long live King Emrys?'" -- "Long may Emrys live, Even the eternal life beyond the grave."
"Yet one word more; 'tis perilous in the storm For the tall pine, nor less, in evil days, [515] For the high born and exalted of the state. The Saxon blood-hounds are abroad for prey, Seek thou some quiet solitude remote Beyond their prowling range." -- His arm to Heaven Slowly uplifted, "Will they reach me there?" [520] Spake the meek Hermit, "there is rest secure."
They parted; gentle Elidure alone, Lingering with somewhat of an envious gaze, View'd the deep quiet of that placid dell.
That night were seen along the dusky wood, [525] Of more than human stature moving forms, Pale faces circled with black iron helms, Not of the Briton shape their garb or arms; Stealthy their pace and slow; the peasants thought Demons of evil that sad night had power, [530] And pray'd Heaven's grace to guard the saintly man.
At morn roved forth the peasant, down the dale His dog went bounding to the Hermit's cell, For all mute creatures loved the man of God. A quick and desolate moaning nearer call'd [535] The peasant; in officious grief the dog Stood licking the cold hand that drooping hung Lifeless; the mild composure of his brow On the cross rested; praying he had died, And his cold features yet were smiling prayer. [540]
BOOK III.
Orient the bright-hair'd Charioteer of heaven Pour'd daylight from his opal wheels, and struck From the blue pavement of the sky clear flakes Of azure light upon the Eastern sea. And as the gray mists slowly curl'd away, [5] Rose the white cliffs of Kent, like palace fair, On fane of snowy marble, to enshrine Blue Amphitrite, or the Sea-Gods old Of Pagan mariner. Rode tall below The Saxon navy, as from midnight sleep [10] Wakening; the gray sails in the breeze of morn 'Gan tremble, gleaming oars flash in the spray. The Sea Kings on the beach in parley stern Were met, nor less than nation's doom and fate Of kingdoms in their voice. Lo, in the midst [15] Stood huge Caswallon, words of mild salute Deign'd not, but thus addrest the Ocean Lord.
"Saxon! that o'er this fair and princely isle Thou would'st win empire by the sword of war, I marvel not, arraign not -- 'tis a dream, [20] Noble as o'er the heavens to walk abroad, Companion of yon bright majestic sun. Now by my glory, Saxon, mortal peer Never Caswallon brook'd, save thee alone, Thee, rival in his race of pride and power. [25] Arm'd with myself and all th' embattled North, Not Roman Britons, sons of sires who dash'd The purple Conquerors' haughty wall to earth, And trampled their strewn ramparts; who ne'er deign'd Barter for gaudy robe and marble pile, Fierce naked freedom, and wild mountain cave, Will I, and thou with Saxon spears begirt, Bow this fair Britain to our lordly sway. Then will we two, from pale perplexed earth Seen, like twin meteors battling in high heaven, [35] On some lone eminence wage glorious strife, Sole empire meed of conquest, of defeat Utter annihilation, dark and full Solace, and lofty comfort." Bold he paus'd, Nor Hengist with pale sign of awe or dread [40] Shamed the proud peerage, but with hardy speech Guileful, won faith by seeming scorn of guile.
"Briton, to dare high deeds, and to disown, Argues a wavering valour; the firm soul Vaunts resolute its lofty dangerous scope. [45] To us our Gods o'er ocean and its shores Kingly dominion and wide sway have given; Were insult to our might and base reproach, The freedom of one sea-girt isle, to thee Honouring, not fearing, 'mid our prime we grant [50] Transcendent state, and eminence of power. Now speed we of th' immortal Powers in Heaven, Our high ominiscient Fathers, to demand If on the eternal shield of fate be graven Ruin or Conquest, ere to bold emprize [55] We gird our brazen arms." -- "Of mighty men The Gods are mighty, whom the Saxon fears, The paramount of men, 'twere rash to scorn, No calm and sunshine deities of peace." --
So spake Caswallon, the mild faith of Christ [60] Scoffing with covert mockery; thus th' All Wise The imaginations of the proud on earth Silent endures, till some brief point of time Crumbles the high-built insolence of years.
"Wilt thou behold our Gods?" fierce Horsa cried [65] "Then mount the bark, abroad her wings are spread, And fleet along the obedient deep she speeds. Fear not, proud Briton." -- "Fear!" Caswallon cried; All iron as he stood, o'er surf, surge, wave He bounded, hollow rang his heavy arms, [70] The bark her tall side to the troubling waves Stoop'd groaning, nor delay'd the Ocean King.
"Brother, farewell! not singly the bold wolf Scatters the mountain herd; in grim repose He rests expectant of his kindred troop, [75] Numberless from their shaggy dens they sweep, And spacious o'er the antler'd monarch's realm Spreads the wide ravage of their muster'd might."
Stern Horsa bow'd assent, yet paus'd to watch The proud bark tilting o'er the azure plain. [80] Stately she rode her path of light, her sails In dalliance with the courteous winds: bold Man! Well may thy full heart bound: in earth and air The thunder-maned steed, the eagle thron'd In the pavilion of his plumes, stand forth [85] Creation's glories; but the noblest shape That walks the deep thy workmanship sublime Owneth, and starts from thee to life. Vaunt thou, Yet humbly vaunt, all greatness is from God.
What dolphin glancing in his silver sport, [90] More graceful with translucent pinion parts The liquid azure? what Leviathan, Huge heaving on the thick Norwegian foam, More lordly than the white-wing'd bark, that wafts The Sea King o'er his empire? the fair waves [95] Rise in their gamesome turbulence, and pay Wild homage to that royal Mariner.
The motion and the murmur of the deep, The rushing of the silent, solemn sky, Each in its deep abyss and pure expanse, [100] Seeming its secret mysteries of might, Its ruling soul of everlasting change, To veil from mortal knowledge, ever pour O'er savage ev'n and rude tumultuous awe, And exultation of a pleasing dread. [105] From dizzy notions of infinity, Vague sense of ever-during sights and sounds, Inactive though the body, the free spirit, Vagrant along the illimitable void, Perils uncouth and rich uncertainties [110] Ranges in restless round, plucks treasures rare, That gem the caverns of the hoary deep, Or bathes with sea-maids in their crystal bowers, Or with gay creatures and fantastical Peoples some dreamy land; such joys of old [115] Lured the fierce Saxon from his darksome woods, To launch along the vast and barren sea. Such joys through this long voyage, wean'd brief while From thoughts of war and war-won empire wide, Haughty Caswallon, or from him assum'd [120] Fierce aspect, and a battailous character.
'Twas midnight, but a rich unnatural dawn Sheets the fir'd Arctic heaven; forth springs an arch, O'erspanning with a crystal pathway pure The starry sky, as though for Gods to march, [125] With show of heavenly warfare daunting earth, To that wild revel of the northern clouds; That now with broad and bannery light distinct, Stream in their restless wavings to and fro, While the sea billows gleam them mellower back; [130] Anon like slender lances bright upstart, And clash and cross with hurtle and with flash, Tilting their airy tournament." -- "Brave signs," Cried Hengist; "lo, our Gods their standards rear, And with glad omen of immortal strife [135] Salute our high-wing'd purpose." -- "Yea (return'd Caswallon) from mine own Helvellyn's brow, Never a brighter conflict in the skies Taught me that war was dear in Heaven: dream ye Of tamer faith in gentle Southern skies [140] Your smooth and basking deities, our North Wooes not with tender hues and sunny smiles Soft worship, but emblazons all the air With semblance of celestial strife, unveils To us of their empyreal halls the pomp, [145] The secret majesty of godlike war."
Oh Lord of Lords! incessant thus assail'd That Pagan with his frantic railings Thee, Th' Ineffable, yet worshipp'd of thy power A faint and pale effect, reflection dim [150] From thy soul-blinding glories. On they sail'd, Till o'er the dark deep now the wintry winds Swept on their murky pinions, huge and high The liquid legions of the main arose; Like snow upon the sable pines, the foam [155] Hung hoary on their towered fronts; but slow, Like a triumphant warrior, their bold bark Wore onward, now upon the loftiest height Shaking its streamers gay defiance, now With brave devotion to the prone abyss [160] Down rushing, but the sternest Saxon cheek Put not to shame the dauntless Landsman; he In the strong passion of a new delight On the fierce tumult feasts, and almost grieves, When now beneath the haven rocks embayed, [165] The angry waves seem wearying to repose, And the slack sails slow droop their flagging folds.
Their port was southward of that Strait, where bursts The Baltic, with her massy waves of ice Encumbering far and wide the Northern main. [170]
South, North, and East, the rapid heralds speed, Summoning from fen or forest, moor or wild, Britain! on thee to banquet, all who bathe In Weser, Elbe, or Rhine, their saffron locks, Hertog and Erle and King; the huntsman bold [175] Of bear, or bison, o'er the quaking moss, Or grim Vikinger, who but sues his Gods For tempests, so upon some wealthy coast Bursts unforeseen his midnight frigate fierce, And freights its greedy hold with amplest spoil. [180]
And now have Hengist and Caswallon climb'd The chariot of the Oracle; no wheels Bear that strange car; like wind along the sea, It glides along the rapid rein deer's track. Beauteous those gentle rein deer arch'd their necks, [185] And cast their palmy antlers back, and spread Their broad red nostrils to the wind; they hear Old Hengist's voice, like arrows down the wind, Like shot-stars through the welkin start they forth. The car slides light, the deer bound fleet: they pass [190] Dark leagues of pine and fir, the filmy light, Shivering with every motion of the wind On their brown path lies tremulous, o'er them sails, Heard through the dismal foliage hissing shrill, And hoarser groaning of the swaying boughs, [195] The funeral descant of the ominous birds. Around them the prophetic milk white steeds, [Note 5] Their necks yet virgin of the taming curb, With all their loose long glories, arch, and pass In solemn silence, and regardless paw [200] The unechoing earth. But that old German, set Inflexible with bolder hand to draw The veil of dusk futurity, disdains These tamer omens. Still the car slides light, The deer bound fleet, they pause not, save to quaff [205] The narrow cruise, to share their scanty store. Like swallows o'er the glassy rivers smooth, O'er the pellucid lake, with glittering breast Yet wrinkled with its rippling waves, they skim, The dead unstirring ocean bears them on, [210] Amid the immortal ice-hills wind they now.
In restless change, God's softer summer works Glitter and fade, are born and die, but these, Endiadem'd by undissolving snows, High Potentates of winter's drear domain, [215] Accumulate their everlasting bulk, Eternal and imperishable, stand Amid Creation's swift inconstant round, In majesty of silence undisturb'd, Save when from their long-menacing brows they shake The ruining Avalanche; unvisited [221] By motion, but of sailing clouds, when sleets From their unwasting granary barb their darts, And the grim North-wind loads his rimy wings. Nor trace of man, save many a fathom deep, [225] Haply dark signs of some tall people strange, That walk'd the infant earth, may shroud profound Their legends inaccessible. They soar In headlong precipice, or pyramid Linking the earth and heaven, to which the piles [230] Where those Egyptian despots rot sublime, Or even that frantic Babylonian tower, Were frivolous domes for laughter and for scorn.
Nor wants soft interchange of vale, where smiles White mimicry of foliage and thin flower. [235] Feathery and fanlike spreads the leafy ice, With dropping cup, and roving tendril loose, As though the glassy dews o'er flower and herb Their silken moisture had congeal'd, and yet Within that slender veil their knots profuse [240] Blossom'd and blush'd with tender life, the couch Less various where the fabled Zephyr fans With his mild wings his Flora's bloomy locks; But colourless and cold, these flowering vales Seem meeter for decrepit Winter's head [245] To lie in numb repose. The car slides light, The deer bound fleet, the long gray wilderness Hath something of a roseate glimmering dim, And widens still its pale expanse: when lo, A light of azure, wavering to display [250] No sights, no shapes of darkness and of fear. Tremblingly flash'd the inconstant meteor light, Shewing thin forms, like virgins of this earth, Save that all signs of human joy or grief, The flush of passion, smile or tear had seem'd [255] On the fix'd brightness of each dazzling cheek, Strange and unnatural: statues not unlike By nature, in fantastic mood congeal'd From purest snow, the fair of earth to shame, Surpassing beauteous: breath of mortal life [260] Heaved not their bosoms, and no rosy blood Tinged their full veins, yet mov'd they, and their steps Were harmony. But three of that bright troop, The loveliest and the wildest, stood aloof, Enwrapt by what in human form were like [265] Impulse divine, of their fine nature seem'd The eternal instinct. Them no less survey'd Caswallon with the knitted brow of scorn, Bitter he spake -- "No marvel Saxon souls Revel in war's delights, so stern, so fierce [270] Their deities." Severe with wrath supprest, As one ill-brooking that irreverent mirth Scoff'd the wild lore, himself ne'er dar'd to doubt, Answer'd the Son of Woden. "These, proud Chief, So snowy, soft, and airy gentle, these [275] Are ministers of destiny and death, The viewless Riders of the battle field: When sounds the rushing of their sable steeds, Down sink the summon'd mighty, and expand Valhalla's cloudy portals; to their thrones [280] They the triumphant strangers lead, and pour Lavish the eternal beverage of the Gods. Mark thou yon bright-hair'd three? and would thy soul Grasp the famed deeds of ancient time, or know The master spirits of our present world. [285] Lo Gudur, she whose deep mysterious soul Treasureth the past, and Rosta, who beholds All acts and agents of this living earth; She too is there before whose spacious sight The years that have not been start up and live, [290] Who reads within the soul of man unborn The unimagin'd purpose, of the sage Skulda the sagest. Ask and thou shalt know." -- "I am not King of Britain, have not been, Hateful the present and the past, my soul [295] Thirsteth for what shall be." -- The Hengist spake In tone of mix'd authority and prayer, "Queen of the Future, Valkyr, hear and speak, Speak to the Son of Woden." -- All the troop Instant the thin bright air absorb'd, alone [300] Stood Skulda with her white hair waving wide, As trembling on the verge of palpable being, Ready to languish too in light away.
"O'er Britain's isle doth Woden to his sons Give empire?" She, but in no human tone, [305] E'er from the soul's emotion harsh or soft, One glittering rich unvarying tone replied, "To thine, but not to thee." -- And, "I am thine," Caswallon shouted loud, and sternly shook His visionary sceptre. "Whence the foe [310] Fatal to Hengist, and to Hengist's sway?" "Not from the Mountain, Saxon, from the Vale." Heard, heeded not the Mountain Chief that strain Dire and ill-boding, or if heard, disdain'd [314] Adverse what prosperous seem'd a voice from Heaven.
"By what rich rite," he cried, "may Briton Chief Win favour from high Woden?" -- "Not the blood Of steed or stag; a flower of earth must fade. Blest o'er all virgins of the earth, the chaste, The beautiful, by Heaven ordain'd to lead [320] The souls of valiant men to the pale hall Of the Immortal; air her path, and Heaven Her dwelling, with the fair and brave of earth Her sole communion?" -- "By my future throne, Proud office for the daughter of a King! [325] A royal damsel, mine own blood, shall join Your cloudy mysteries." -- A hue like joy Overspread all her face and form, while slow Into the air she brighten'd, indistinct Even now, and now invisible. Sad seem'd [330] In gloomy converse with his own dark mind Old Hengist, nor despair'd that bold of soul, In pride of human wisdom to revoke The irrevocable, what himself deem'd fate, By force or fraud t' o'ermaster or elude. [335]
O glorious eminence of virtuous fame, Glorious from peril! Warriors of the Vales, Fate-signal'd Samor, vaunt not thou the love Of a blind people, or weak prince: thy boast The sworn unerring hate of Britain's foe. [340]
So pass'd they forth, one in wild joy elate, Already in his high disdainful thought Wielding supremacy; each of fix'd fate Nought heeding, but what fed his fierce desires.
The car slides light, the deer bound fleet, nor sun [345] Nor star in all the hazy heavens. Snow, snow, Above, around, beneath. Unblinded yet, Drive on the kingly charioteers, and shake The showery plumage from their locks; fast fades The long pale plain, the giant ice-hills sink, [350] Lakes, rivers, seas are patient of their speed, Huge, dim, and dusk the forest pines rush back, Now pant the brown deer by the ocean bay.
How desolate are now thy unplough'd waves, Dark Baltic! wandering Elbe, thy icy breast [355] How silent of thy hunters. Sleep thou calm Amid thy wanton vineyards, Gaul! no more The blue-eyed Plunderers, bridging thy broad Rhine, Waste thy inebriate harvests clustering pride. Sing songs of joy, soft Italy! o'er thee [360] But Alaric and Attila drive on Their chariot wheels of conquest, this their peer In majesty of havoc, in renown Of devastation, this, the fiercer third Of human Furies, scap'st thou, therefore sing, [365] Soft Italy; for lo, at Hengist's call, Vast Germany dispeoples her wide realm, Deserts to silence and the beasts of game Her long and soundless forests. Seems the North The forge of Nations, in one fleet t' exhaust [370] Her iron wealth of warriors; helmed high The Suevian with his towery knotted locks, [Note 6] Frisian and Scandinavian, Cimbrian rich In ancient vauntage of his sires, who clomb The Alpine snows, and shook free Rome with dread. [375] And others nameless, numberless, sweep forth Their bands; but three almost in nations came: The Jute, the Anglian, and the Saxon, each Leaving earth bare for many a lonesome league, His wives, his children, and his Gods embarks, [380] On the fierce quest of peril and of power.
Then forth arose each Chieftain to salute The polestar of their baleful galaxy, Prime Architect of ruin: him who sway'd Their hot marauding, desultory strife [385] To cool and steady warfare, of their limbs The domineering soul. As each past on Shook up the Scald his harsh-strung shell, and cast The war tones of each nation to the winds; And Hengist with imperious flattery met [390] Each tall and titled Leader: "Art thou here, Bold Frisian Hermengard! a broader isle And fairer than thy azure Rhine laves round, Spreads for thee her green vallies. How brook'st thou, Strong Scandinavian Lodbrog, thou the Chief [395] Of the renown'd Vikinger, while the waves So nobly riot with the wintry storms, The tame and steadfast land? Now freely leap, Arngrim, along thy Suevian forests brown The bear and foam-tusk'd wild boar; let them leap, [400] A braver game is up on Britain's shore. O Cedric, gray in glory, young in power, The Drave ran purple with thy boyish deeds, A darker, redder dye, o'er silver Thames Shall spread before thy ancient battle axe. [405] Ho, Offa, the rich-flowing mead hath worn Your Jutland cups, beneath the British helms Capacious goblets smooth and fair await Offa's carousals. Heir of Cimbric fame, [Note 7] Frotho, how these, of late the Roman's slaves, [410] Will the race daunt, who set our Thor afront The Roman's Capitolian Jove. And thou, My gold-hair'd brother, are the British maids, Or British warriors, Abisa, the first In the fierce yearnings of thy boyish soul? [415] And lo the mighty Anglian; oh, unfold Ocean more wide, more wealthy realms, too brief, Too narrow for Argantyr's fame, the round Of this the choice, the Sovereign of thine isles.
Thereat a sound of clattering shields arose, [420] As all the rocks around with one harsh rift Had rent asunder: "Fair must be the land, And brave the conquest, plenteous the renown, Where Hengist leads strong Woden's sceptred sons!"
But inly laugh'd Caswallon, as he long'd [325] With each or all to match his Briton strength; On the prophetic Valkyr thought, and glanced Proud pity on the legends of their praise.
Advanced Argantyr, his bold grasp apart, As peer his peer, led Hengist. "Thou and I, [430] Saxon, must have our compact; dark I know Thy paths of strife, while my frank valour loves The broad bright sunshine; thou by sleight and art Min'st thy slow conquest; I with naked sword Affront my peril, till its menacing height [435] Bow to the dust before me; for bold war, For noonday battling, tender I mine arm, But no allegiance own to subtle craft; To peace Argantyr doth revolt when thou Array'st stern war in the smooth garb of guile." [440] "The weak, Argantyr, and the friendless, need Such politic skill; I take thee at thy word. Who skulks a fox when he dare prowl a wolf? Power charters force, where strong Argantyr stands Is power. -- And now aboard, brave Chiefs, aboard, [445] Or the soft spring o'ertakes our tardy keels, And with her slothful breezes smooths the skies."
Wonderous that ocean armament; in shoals Ride boat and bark, innumerous as the waves That show white slender streaks of foam between [450] Their tawny sides, save here and there towers up Some statelier admiral in lordly height O'er the frail comm'nalty, whose limber ribs Are the light wicker, cased with sturdy hides Their level bottoms smooth. [Note 8] Oh, that frail Man, [455] Loose-woven frame of dissolube stuff, Uncharter'd from the boisterous license rude Of pitiless winds and fierce unfetter'd waves, To that unshackled libertine, wild Chance, Amenable, unguaranteed from burst [460] And inroad of invading surge, that he, With such thin barrier between life and death, Should sit and skim along the ocean waste, Careless as maiden in a flowery field; Valour or phrenzy is it? They their toil [465] Ply nimbly, and with gallant oar chastise The insurgent billows, their despotic sails Lords o'er the wild democracy of air.
Less vast, and mann'd with tamer, feebler spirits, In later days, against our Virgin Queen, [470] The Spaniard's mad Armada; but the flag Of Howard, and the Almighty's stormy hand, Belied their braggard baptism, so they won Brave conquest! graves in ocean's barren caves, Or on the whirlpool-girded Orcades. [475]
But onward rides that Pagan fleet: young Spring Hath scarcely tipt the leafless woods with green; Tyne's jetty tide is blanch'd with German oars.
Now wither with that dark-brow'd priest set forth Old Hengist and the Briton Mountain Lord? [480] Is it, fell Hengist, that Caswallon's name Paragon thine in British hate, close link'd By fellowship in nameless rites accurst, Be hence more deeply, execrably thine? Or, from weak credence in such impious Gods, [485] Urgest thou that fell sacrifice? Oh, where The spotless Virgin doom'd (so wild the creed) The Valkyr's airy troop to join, and glide Immortal through Valhalla's cloudy halls?
BOOK IV.
Sunk was the sun, and up the eastern heaven, Like maiden on a lonely pilgrimage, Moved the meek Star of Eve; the wandering air Breathed odours; wood, and waveless lake, like man, Slept, weary of the garish babbling day. [5]
Dove of the wilderness, thy snowy wing In slumber droops not; Lilian, thou alone, 'Mid the deep quiet, wakest. Dost thou rove, Idolatress of yon majestic moon, That like a crystal-throned queen in Heaven, [10] Seems with her present diety to hush To beauteous adoration all the earth? Might seem the solemn silent mountain tops Stand up and worship, the translucent streams Down th' hill sides glittering cherish the pure light [15] Beneath the shadowy foliage o'er them flung At intervals; the lake, so silver white, Glistens, all indistinct the snowy swans Bask in the radiance cool: doth Lilian muse To that apparent Queen her vesper hymn? [20]
Nursling of solitude, her infant couch Never did mother watch, within the grave She slept unwaking; scornful turn'd aloof Caswallon, of those pure instinctive joys By father's felt, when playful infant grace, [25] Touch'd with a feminine softness, round the heart Winds its light maze of undefin'd delight, Contempuous; he with haughty joy beheld His boy, fair Malwyn, him in bossy shield Rock'd proudly, him upbore to mountain steep, [30] Fierce and undaunted, for their dangerous nest To battle with the eagle's clamorous brood.
But she the while from human tenderness Estranged, and gentler feelings that light up The cheek of youth with rosy joyous smile, [35] Like a forgotten lute, play'd on alone By chance-caressing airs, amid the wild Beauteously pale, and sadly playful grew, A lonely child, by not one human heart Belov'd, and loving none; nor strange, if learnt [40] Her native fond affections to embrace Things senseless and inanimate: she lov'd All flow'rets that with rich embroidery fair Enamel the green earth, the odorous thyme, Wild rose, and roving eglantine, nor spar'd [45] To mourn their fading forms with childish tears. Gray birch and aspen light she lov'd, that droop Fringing the crystal stream; the sportive breeze That wanton'd with her brown and glossy locks, The sunbeam chequering the fresh bank. Ere dawn [50] Wandering, and wandering still at dewy eve, By Glenderamakin's flower-empurpled marge, Derwent's blue lake, or Greta's wildering glen.
Rare sound to her was human voice, scarce heard, Save of her aged nurse, or shepherd maid [55] Soothing the child with simple tale or song. Hence, all she knew of earthly hopes and fears, Life's sins and sorrows; better known the voice Belov'd of lark from misty morning cloud Blithe carolling, and wild melodious notes [60] Heard mingling in the summer wood, or plaint, By moonlight, of the lone night-warbling bird. Nor they of love unconscious, all around Fearless, familiar they their descants sweet Tun'd emulous. Her knew all living shapes [65] That tenant wood or rock, dun roe or deer, Sunning his dappled side at noontide crouch'd, Courting her fond caress, nor fled her gaze The brooding dove, but murmur'd sounds of joy.
One summer noon, the silvery birchen shade [70] Pendant above from dripping crag her brow Veil'd from the fiery sunbeam, gems of spray Gleam'd cool around with watery rainbow-light, From a pure streamlet down its rocky bed Dashing sweet music; she on mossy couch [75] Sate listening the blithe thrush, whose airy notes In amorous contention Echo caught Responsive. Sudden droop'd its flagging wing The timorous bird of song, and fluttering sought Soft refuge in the maiden's snowy breast. [80] She o'er the nestling prisoner folding light Her careless vest, stood gazing, where, awhile Dark in the sun-cloud's white, came fiercely down A swooping falcon: at her sight it check'd, Its keen eye bright with joy, th' admiring bird [85] Fearfully beauteous floated in the air, Its silver wings, and glossy plumage gray, Glanc'd in the sun light. Up the maiden gaz'd, Smiling a pale and terrified delight, And seem'd for that lov'd warbler in her breast [90] Beseeching mercy. 'Mid the green wood sank Th' obedient bird; she, joyous at his flight, Her bosom half reveal'd, with gentle hand Caressing smooth'd her captive's ruffled plumes. Anon around a frighted thankful look [95] Glancing, what seem'd a human shape she saw, Or more than human; stately on his arm The falcon sate, and proudly flapp'd his wings. She turn'd to fly, yet fled not, turn'd to gaze, Yet dared not raise her downcast eye; she felt [100] Her warm cheek, why she knew not, blush, her hand Unconscious closer drew her bosom's fold. With accent mild the Stranger brief delay Entreated; she, albeit his gentle words Fell indistinct on her alarmed ear, [105] Listening delay'd, and still at fall of eve Delay'd, e'en then with dim reverted eye, Slow lingering on her winding homeward path.
No more in pomp of war, or vaulting steed, Joyeth the Son of Vortigern, nor feast [110] With jocund harpings, and rich-jewell'd dames, Outshining in their pride the starry heavens.
As fair the spring-flower's bloom, as graceful droops The wild ash spray, as sweet the mountain bee Murmurs, melodious breathes the twilight grove, [115] Unheard of her, unheeded, who erewhile Visited, constant as the morning dew, Those playmates and sweet sisters of her soul. In one sole image sees the enamour'd maid Concentrated all qualities of love, [120] All beauty, grace, and majesty. The step Of tall stag prancing stately down the glen, The keen bright fierceness of the eagle's glance, And airy gentleness of timorous roe, And, more than all, a voice more soothing soft [125] Than wild-bird's carol, or the murmuring brook, With eloquence endued and melting words So wond'rous; though unheard since eve, the sounds Come mingling with her midnight sleep, and make The damask of her slumbering cheek grow warm. [130]
And she is now beneath the moonlight rock, Chiding the rippling waters that efface That image on its azure breast indistinct, Garb, form, and feature, Vortimer, though mute, As prodigal of fondness, his bright face [135] Looks up to her with glance of tenderer love, Than wild-dove to its mate at earliest spring.
Oft hath that moonlight wax'd and wan'd, since last He parted, all of him that could depart; Save that no distance could remove the words, [140] The look, the touch, that lives within her still, The promise of return sworn on her lips.
And hark it comes, his steed along the glen; She o'er the lucid mirror stooping low, 'Gins prank her dark-brown tresses, bashful smiles [145] Of virgin vanity flit o'er her cheek, Tinging its settled paleness. Now 'tis near, But ne'er did Vortimer with iron hoof Bruise the green flowery sward that Lilian loves. A gentle frown of winning fond reproach [150] Arch'd her dark eyelash, as her head she turn'd, Ah! not on Vortimer. Her father stood Before her, stern and dark, his trembling child Cheer'd nor fond word, nor greeting kiss; his arm Clasp'd round her, on his steed again he sprung. [155] And on through moon-light and through shade he spurr'd Gleam'd like a meteor's track his flinty road, Like some rude hunter with a snow-white fawn, His midnight prey. Anon, the mountain path 'Gan upward wind, the fiery courser paus'd [160] Breathless, and faintly raising her thin form; "Oh, whither bear ye me?" with panting voice, Murmur'd. Caswallon spake unmov'd, "to death."
"Death, Father, death is comfortless and cold? Aye me! when maiden dies, the smiling morn, [165] The wild birds singing on the twinkling spray, Wake her no more; the summer wind breathes soft, Waving the fresh grass o'er her narrow bed, Gladdening to all but her. Senseless and cold She lies; while all she lov'd, unheard, unseen, [170] Mourn round her." There broke off her faltering voice. Dimly, with farewell glance, she rov'd around, Never before so beautiful the lake Like a new sky, distinct with stars, the groves, Green banks and shadowy dells, her haunts of bliss, [175] Smil'd, ne'er before so lovely, their last smile; The fountains seem'd to wail, the twilight mists, On the wet leaves were weeping all for her, Had not her own tears blinded her; there too She surely had beheld a youthful form, [180] Wandering the solitary glen. But loud The courser neigh'd, down bursting, wood and rock Fly backward, the wide plain its weary length Vainly outspreads; and now 'tis midnight deep. Ends at a narrow glen was pal'd with rude black rocks, There slowly roll'd a brook its glassy depth; Now in the moon-beams white, now dark in gloom.
She liv'd, she breath'd, she felt, to her denied That sole sad happiness the wretched know, [190] Ev'n from excess of feeling, not to feel. Behold her gentle, delicate, and frail, Where all around, through rifted rock and wood, Grim features glare, huge helmed forms obscure People the living gloom, with dreary light [195] Glimmering, as of the moon from iron arms Coldly reflected, lovely stands she there, Like a blest Angel 'mid th' accurst of Hell. A voice is heard. -- "Lo, mighty Monarch, here The stream of sacrifice; to man alone [200] Fits the proud privilege of bloody death By shaft or mortal steel; to Hela's realm, Unblooded, woundless, must the maid descend; So in the bright Valhalla shall she crown For Woden and his Peers the cup of bliss. [205] Her white arms round her father's rugged neck Winding with desperate fondness, she 'gan pour, As to some dear, familiar, long-lov'd heart, Most eloquent her inarticulate prayers. Is the dew gleaming on his cheek? or weeps [210] The savage and the stern, yet still her sire? But some rude arm of one, whose dreadful face She dared not gaze on, seiz'd her. Gloomy stood, Folding his wolf-skin mantle to conceal The shuddering of his huge and mailed form, [215] Caswallon. Then again the voice came forth, "Fast wanes the night, the Gods brook no delay, Monarch of Britain, speed." He, at that name Shaking all human from his soul, flung back The foldings of his robe, and stood elate, [220] As haughty of some glorious deed, nor knew Barbarian blind as proud, who feels no more The mercies and affections of his kind, Casts off the image of God, a man of ill, With all his nature's earth, without its heaven. [225]
A sound is in the silent night abroad, A sound of broken waters; rings of light Float o'er the dark stream, widening to the shore. [NOTE 9] And lo, her re-appearing form, as soft As fountain Nymph by weary hunter seen, [230] In the lone twilight glen; the moonlight gleam Falls tenderly on her beseeching face, Like th' halo of expiring Saint, she seems Lingering to lie upon the water top, As to enjoy once more that light belov'd; [235] And tremulously mov'd her soundless lips As syllabling the name of Vortimer; Then deep she sank, and quiet the cold stream, Unconscious of its guilt, went eddying on, And look'd up lovely to the gazing moon. [240]
What deepest thoughts, young Vortimer, have place Within thy secret breast? thou slowly rid'st By Eamont's alder brink, thy silver arms Through the brown copse with moonshine glittering dim. Is't that late fight by Thanet, when the fire [245] From thine and Horsa's steel, frequent and red, Burnt the pale sea-spray? or thy stately charge, With show of British war, to curb and check The threatening Caledonian? or what bathes Youth's cheek in bitterest and most gall-like tears; [250] Thy father's shame, the curse that, unredeem'd By thy young valour, his once kingly name Brands with the deep-sear'd characters of hate?
Or is 't that gentle Maid by Derwent lake, Her flower-prankst tresses and her pale sweet smile? How pleasant, after war and journeying fleet [256] To Britain's Northern realm, from Kent's white cliffs, Once more to see her early gliding foot Skimming the morning dews, to hear her voice, As artless, as melodious, melt on air, [260] Among the wood-birds matins, to surprise Thine own dear name upon her bashful lips!
What floateth down the stream a deep dead white Amid the glittering moonshine, where the stream Runs black beneath the thicket boughs, still white, [265] Still slowly drifting, like a dying swan, In snowy beauty, on its watery bier? Oh, were but Lilian here! perchance its neck May struggle up, to the still waves to chaunt Its own soft requiem, the most gentle breath, [270] Most fancifully, delicately sweet, That ever soothes the midnight's dewy calm.
Near, and more near, it takes a human shape; Some luckless maiden; haply her lov'd youth Awaits her at the well known place, upbraids [275] Her broken faith, as fond as Vortimer, As full of love. 'Tis closer now; he leaps From his high steed, he draws it to the shore. Scarce time for fancy or for fear, the moon Quench'd her broad light behind a rushing cloud, [280] And utter darkness settled round. He sate In solitude, with that cold lifeless thing; He dared not leave it, for a hideous thought Was in his brain. -- "Why is it like to thee, My Lilian! be it any one but thou -- [285] Hopelessly cold, irrevocably cold: It cannot be, and yet 'twas like: her height, Her slender waist like Lilian's, and her hair As dainty soft, and trick'd with flowers; 'tis she, And I will kiss her, pardon if I err, [290] If stranger lips -- round, smooth like thine; but oh! So coldly passive! when we parted, thine Thwarted me with a struggling bashfulness, And, won at length, with meek surrender swell'd. Wild and delirious fancy! many a maid [295] Hath full round lips, to trick the hair with flowers 'Tis common vanity. If dead, even dead, So chilly senseless Lilian could not be To Vortimer's embrace. Oh, but for light, Though dim and scanty as a glow-worm's fire, [300] To make me surely, hopelessly undone! Aught but this racking ignorance. Dawn forth, Thou tortoise-footed sluggard, Morn! one beam, Thou pitiless cold Moon!" -- Morn dawn'd not yet, And pale and thick remain'd the moonless sky. [305] Darkness around, the dead within his arms, He sate, even like a poison'd man, that waits, Yet haunted by a miserable hope, The palpable cold sickness in his veins, And yearns to live or die, scarce cares he which, [310] So one were certain. But when slow the dawn Unveil'd its filmy light, he turn'd away From that which might be Lilian's face, and pray'd Even for the hateful, dun, uncertain gloom, As now by habit the slow-creeping grief, [315] Winding like ivy round and round his heart, Were rapture, and not lightly to be lost. It seem'd unconsciously his hand held up, Unconsciously declin'd his heavy eye, Where slowly brighten'd on that lifeless face [320] The intrusive beauty; one tress lay across, O'erspreading yet a thin and shadowy doubt; Move it he dare not, but the officious wind At length dispers'd it. As the thought, the fear Were new, were sudden; like the lightning flash [325] That sears the infant in its mother's arms, Smote on him the dire certainty. He clasp'd Her dampy dead cheek to his. -- "Thus, meet we thus, Lilian, my Lilian, silent, strange, and cold? I do not bid thee fondly gaze, nor ask [330] Long garrulous welcoming, -- but speak, but move! Lilian; ne'er thought I, I should live to loathe Thy gentle presence. -- Most ungrateful girl, And I for thee forsook my warrior trust, Was truant to my country's cause for thee. [335] By the green Tees my murmuring camp upbraids My soft unwarlike absence -- aye, unbraid! Henceforth finds Fortune no where on this soul To fasten misery on; I laugh at Fate, For I am past its wavering malice now. [340] Thinks she with hollow gauds of fame, and clang Of cymbal praise, to lure me forth, a bland And courteous parasite in her fond train? No; hang thou there, my helm, my broad-barr'd shield Rust on yon bank, my sword, one duty more, [345] To shape the smooth turf for my Lilian's grave; Thy bridal bed, sweet Maid, it should have been, Where thou and Vortimer had met. Thy grave Shall be my field of fame, my wreath of pride The flowers the courteous spring shall lavish there; And I'll have glory -- in my depth of woe -- [351] A wild and strange delight -- in my despair -- Not yet, the cold earth must not part us yet, One glimmer more from thine eye's dark-fring'd blue, One throb, one tremor, though it be the last [355] In thy soft limbs -- dead, sightless, icy dead!" --
O'er his lost Love, thus that sad Prince, undream'd The hell-born secret of her fate, arraign'd Blind Chance for keen-ey'd Man's earth-sullying sins.
But southward far the savage fleet bore on. [360] On Flamborough-head the morning sun look'd dusk Through their dim sails; where Scarborough's naked foot Spurns back, and saith, "no further," to the waves, From cleft and cave the sullen sea birds sprang, Wheeling in air with dizzy flight, and shriek'd [365] Their dreary fears abroad. The Shepherd, wont O'er level Lindesay view the watery plain, Blue trembling to the soft horizon's line, Sees, like a baleful portent from the heavens, That sable train of gloom warp slowly past. [370] Th' Icenian coast (that sceptered woman's realm, Bonduca, who from her fair body slaked The stain of Roman lust in Roman blood,) Looks haggard, with distracted faces wan, Hoar age, fair youth, the woman and the child, [375] From beech or steep cliff, gazing now to Heaven, Now on that ocean army's watery march.
Oh Nelson! if the unborn soul distinct Amid the loose infinity of space, Be visited by apparitions dim [380] Of this earth's fleeting Present, and inhale Faint foretaste of its mortal passions, thou, When, with usurping prow, that foreign fleet Daunted thy Britain, thou didst surely yearn To unordained maturity to force [385] Thy unripe being, to foreseize from Fate Thy slow existence. Oh, the days must dawn, When Saxon and when Briton, melted off All feud, all hate, all discord, of their strength And valour blent th' abstract and essence rich, [390] One sword, one name, one glory, and one God, From their bright armoury of Captains, thee Their chosen thunderbolt shall usher forth, From the leagued Nations' frantic grasp to wrest Britain's allotted sceptre of the sea. [395]
A brighter and more British battlement, Than tender forms of women, the pale dread Of infants and decrepit eld, from Thames To Thanet crown the pale-brow'd cliffs of Kent. As when from Aulis that immortal fleet [400] Swept the Ægean, all the hollow beach, And every Phyrgian promontory glow'd With brazen battle, here the Morning's Son, Swarth Memnon, here the invulnerable strength Of Cycnus, here the beardless Troilus, [405] Unwounded by soft Cresseide's arrowy eyes; Here Hector, seeking through the watery route The tall Thessalian prow, with fatal thirst Furious even then, the silver-footed Queen To orphan of her heaven-soul'd boy. So broad, [410] So brave in splendour tower'd the rampart bold Of British Warriors on that pallid shore. On Thanet are the Sea King Brethren met. Their greeting in that fiercely sportive strain That, elevate with imminent success, [415] Scoffs at past ill. -- "On Thanet's marge well met, Erle Horsa; now meseems our spacious realm Is somewhat waste and shrunken, since we last View'd its fair confines, for such noble guests And numerous as attend our royal march, [420] Our kingdom's harbours shew too close, our land Narrow and brief for such free spirits' range. Ill husbandry! our fertile province wide To barter for this spare and meagre isle. Horsa, for anchorage and breathing space [425] Our weary mariners must e'en go sue Their gentle Briton neighbours; haply they, Knowing our native courtesy, may cede From their abundance some fair leagues of earth.
"Ingrate and blind (cried Horsa), they forswear [430] Our mild dominion; to their King's behest Rebellious, they proclaim the British earth The undivided, indivisible right Of their old British sires, nor may't descend Sever'd and mutilate to their British sons. [435] They shook not off the Roman's gentle sway, To slave it to Barbarians. Specious terms, And with such cogent arguments enforc'd, We were fain shroud us in this narrow isle From such hot disputants; a desperate spirit [440] Was that old Caesar, who first planted here The tree of conquest." -- "Holds the King his faith?" "Oh, thy fair daughter hath a soft-link'd chain For the old royal Lion; he obeys, Like a slim greyhound in a silken leash, [445] Her eye-won empire. But there walks abroad A youngling of the brood; no blood but mine Might flesh the ravine of his dainty jaws. This Vortimer, this bright-ey'd, beardless boy, Aye, front to front I met him, but their bands [450] Rent us asunder, and my crest-lopp'd helm, My scatter'd blood, past unaveng'd. Now earth Swallow me in my wrath, heaven's bolt sear up My constant heart, if I forget thee, Boy, Nor shear the gay sprouts of thy budding fame!" [455] "A child their mightiest!" -- "Scornful Hengist, no; A manlier spirit rideth the fierce storm, One in whom bravery and counsel vie For excellence: wild battle wears the shape His will ordains; and if the rebel swerve, [460] He forceth it with his strong sword t' obey His high behest, and take the fate he gives." "His name -- his name!" -- "The Chieftain of the Vales, So sounds his title." -- Then a bitter groan, 'Twere hard to tell from what bad passion, hate [465] Or dread, or hideous hope, from Hengist's breast Burst forth; with his mail'd hand he clasp'd his head,
As though to mould the discord of his thoughts To one strong mass: then, as the birth were ripe, A light and laughing carelessness relax'd [470] Those knitted furrows, seem'd his eager soul Clasp'd the dim future with a wanton joy.
But on the mainland, in sad council, meet The Baronage of Britain, timorous hearts In hollow unsubstantial valour trick'd, [475] While those who dare shew fear, fear undisguis'd. Their first fierce rush of courage pass'd, like flame The mountain heath devouring, with fleet blaze, But transitory; they of generous thoughts, Of appetites whose sole rich draught is fame, [480] Wanting the steadfast fuel, the strong wind Wanting of love devotional, heart-deep To their own native land, that passion proud That is all passions, that hath breath to fan To a broad light beyond the noon-day Sun [485] The waning embers of faint zeal; they hence Powerful but now with gallant charge to sweep From Kent's fair valleys Horsa's Saxon train, Downcast in mien and mind, with prospect sad Now count that countless navy's gathering sails. [490]
Not now the rapture and the restlessness, The riding and the racing, burst and shock, And sudden triumph, or as sudden death; Now long, long wasting of the limbs and life, The circumspect cold strife, drear march, long watch, Forepining day, and vigilant sleepless night, [496] Eternal and interminable war, Before them spreads its comfortless wide tract. Gone all soft joys, all courtly luxuries gone: The languor of the bath, the harp, the song [500] By twilight in the Lady's sleepless porch, The loitering in the sunny colonnade, The circus and the theatre, the feast Usurping the mild midnight's solemn hours; From holier hearts, the chapel and the prayer, [505] The matins, and melodious vesper hymn, The bridal with its gay and jocund route, The baptism with its revel, gone - all gone. The burial on cold battle field, unhymn'd, Unmourn'd, untomb'd; nor taper, tear, nor rite: [510] Gentle commercing between God and man Broke off, save hasty prayer ere battle morn, Cold orison upon the midnight watch.
Sole pillar of the quaking temple, firm, Inflexible, on the foundation deep [515] Of his broad spirit, Samor bears the weight Of imminent danger, and his magic voice With shame, with praise, with soothing, and with scorn, Scatters the languid mist, that wreathes their souls, And from their blanch'd cheecks drives the white dismay.
What ho! a trumpet from the Thanet shore, [521] Truce for the Saxon's embassage; his hand Outholding the white wand of peace, comes on Old Cerdic, and before the assemblage proud Speaks frank and bold that gray Plenipotent [525]
"Britons, most strange 'twill sound, while our vast fleet Affronts your pale cliffs with fierce shew of war, Yet would we peace with Britain. Deem not this, In the blown arrogance of brief success, The hard-wrung cowering of faint fear; look round [530] Your own brief camp, then gaze abroad, our sails Outnumber your thin helms, and that pale fear Is not familiar with our German souls. This know ye further, what we Saxons dare, That dare we nobly, openly. Far south [535] A rich and wanton land it champaign green Spreads to the sun, there all the basking hill Glow with the red wine, there the fresh air floats So fragrant, that 'tis pleasure but to breathe, Aye, one blue summer, in the cloudless skies; [540] And our old Bards have legends, how of yore From that soft land bright eagles, fledged with gold, Danube or Rhine o'erflew, their Caesars fired Our holy groves with insolent flames, and girt Our fierce free foresters with slavish chains, [545] That scarce bold Herman rent their massive links. Not to despoil a mild and gentle isle, For full fierce vengeance on Imperial Rome Pours forth embattled Germany. Then hear, Brave Islanders! our Saxon terms of peace: [550] For this fair province, our's by royal boon Of your King, Vortigern, give plenteous gold, And with it take the gift, that deepest wrings Our German souls to part with, our revenge. With most unwonted patience will we bear [555] Erle Horsa's camp with fierce assault o'er-borne, And British wolves full-gorged with Saxon gore. Then not as foes, but friends, we disembark Our sea-worn crews, ourselves, the Chiefs of war, In solemn festival to your high Lords, [560] Pledge on the compact our unwavering faith. But if ye still with lavish thirst pursue War's crimson goblets, freely let them flow. If the fierce pastime of the fire and sword Be jocund to ye, ho, let slip the game. [565] Your city walls are not as airy high, But our fleet flames may climb their dizzy towers, And revel on their pinnacles of pride; Your breastplate not so adamantine proof, But our keen falchions to your hearts may find [570] A direful passage. And not we alone, Caswallon, at our call, o'er the wide North Wakes the hoarse music of his rushing cars; Then choose your bride, oh Britons, lo, each courts Your arms with rival beauties, Peace and War. [575]
Thus half in courtesy, defiant half, To wait their answer he withdrew. Ere died His voice, ere from a single lip assent Had parted, Samor rose, and cried aloud --
"Britons! oh Britons! hinds fear fawning wolves, [580] The peasant flies the snake that smoothly coils Round his numb foot its gay enamell'd rings; I dread a peaceful Saxon. 'Tis too rare, Prodigious, and unnatural, like a star Seen in the noon day. Was't for this, for this [585] Round Vortigern's tame soul that proud-ey'd Queen Wound her voluptuous trammels? did the meek, The hermit Constans, bleed for this? Oh, Peace Is like the rain from heaven, the clouds must burst Ere earth smile lovely with its lucid dews. [590] Peace must be won by war, swords, and swords alone Work the strong treaty. Shall our slaves, that sold Their blood, their lives unto us for base hire, On our fair provinces set now their price? Nor feast, nor metal give we, but cold steel! [595] Give gold! as wisely might the miser lead The robber to his treasury, and then cry, "Go hence, and plunder;" 'twere to tempt, to bribe The undream'd perjury, and spread a lure, To bring the parted spoiler swiftly back. [600] Outnumber us! and are we sunk so low To count our valour by our helmet crests? -- Oh, every soul that loves his native land, It is a legion; where the fire shall sear The hydra heads of Liberty? Our earth [605] Shall burst to bearing of as boon a crop Of sworded soldiers, as of bladed grass, And all our hills branch out in groves of steel. So thought our fathers, so they bravely strove For the bleak freedom of their steamy moors, [610] Their black oaks' fruitage coarse, and rites uncouth Of Druid, by the beal-fire's lurid flame. But we, less drossy beings, filter'd off Our natures rude and gross, create anew Souls of fine wants, and delicate desires, [615] Rich in the fair civilities of life, Endued with sensitiveness keen and clear Of earth's best pleasures, shall we tamely yield Our beauteous Britain, our own pleasant isle, To dreary-soul'd Barbarians? 'Tis not now [620] Merely to 'scape the heaven-branded name of slaves, For license to breathe where we choose, and wield At our own wayward will unfetter'd limbs. Oh, if we fail, free Christians must sink down To Heathen slaves, our gilded palace roofs [625] Shout the loose riot of new Lords, our wives Be like base plunder, vilely bought and sold; Worse shame! worse sin! the murky Heathen groves O'er our fall'n Churches their pale gloom advance; Our holy air go hot and reeking up [630] With impious incense to blood-beverag'd Gods; The deep damnation of a Pagan creed Rot in our children's souls! Then be our peace Not hasty, as of timorous souls that snatch At every feeble reed, but stoop we to it [635] As with a conqueror's pride, with steel-glov'd hand Seal our stern treaty. So if they depart, And with their spread sails hunt their mad emprize; But while one prow dash menace on our shore, Our earth be patient of one armed hoof, [640] Tame treaty, temporizing truce, avaunt! The foreign banner that usurps our winds, Be it a foe, strange steel that both divert One ray of sunlight from our shores, be that The scope and centre of all British swords. [645] So build we up our peace on the strong rock Of brave defiance, cement it with scorn, Set bright-arm'd Valour in its jealous porch, Bold warden; from our own intrinsic strength, Not from the mercy of our foes, be free." -- [650]
Oh the soul's fire, of that swift element Th' intensest, broadest spreads the nimblest mounts, With flaky fierce contagion; it hath caught In that Baronial conclave, it hath blazed. But then rose Elidure, with bashful mien, [655] Into himself half shrinking, from his lips The dewy words dropt, delicate and round, And crept into the chambers of the soul, Like the bee's liquid honey: -- "And thou too, Enamour'd of this gaudy murderer, War! [660] Samor, in hunger's meagre hour who scorns A fair-skinn'd fruit, because its inward pulp May be or black or hollow? this bland Peace May be a rich-rob'd evil; war, stern war, Wears manifest its hideousness, and bares [665] Deformities the Sun shrinks to behold. Because 'tis in the wanton roll of chance That he may die, who desperately leaps Into the pit, with mad untimely arms To clasp annihilation? Were no path [670] But through the grim and haunted wilds of strife, To the mild shrine of peace, maids would not wear Their bridal chaplets with more joy, than I Th' oppressive morion: then th' old vaunt were wise, To live in freedom, or for freedom die. [675] Then would I too dissemble, with vain boast, Our island's weakness; wear an iron front, Though all within were silken, soft, and smooth. For what are we, slight sunshine birds, thin-plum'd, For dalliance with the mild, luxurious airs, [680] To grapple with these vultures, whose broad vans, Strung with their icy tempests, but with wind Of their forth rushing down would swoop us? Then, Then, Samor, eminent in strength and power, It were most proud for thee alone to break [685] The hot assault, with single arm't arrest The driving ruin -- ruin, ah! too sure. Oh, t'were most proud; to us sad comfort; sunk, Amerc'd of all our fair, smooth sliding hours, Our rich abodes the wandering war-flame's feast. [690] Samor, our fathers fear'd not death; cast off Most careless their coarse lives; with nought to lose, They fear'd no loss; our breathing is too rich, Too precious this our sensitive warm mould, Its joyances, affections, hopes, desires, [695] For such light venture. Oh, then, be we not Most wretched from the fear of wretchedness? If war must be, in God's name let war be; But, oh, with clinging hand, with lingering love, Clasp we our mistress, Peace. Gold! what is gold? [700] My fair and wealthy palace set to sale, Cast me a beggar to the elements' scorn; But leave me peace, oh, leave my country peace, And I will call it mercy, bounty, love!" --
So spake he, with vain shew of public zeal [705] Blazoning his weak intent; and so prevail'd His loose and languid eloquence. Each rent The golden frontlet from his helm, cast down His breastplate's golden scales, in contest free Prodigal rivals at rich price to buy [710] That baleful merchandize, their country's shame.
Oh, where the royal Brethren now? the pride Serene of Emrys? where thy Dragon crest, Prince Uther? for thy voice, young Vortimer! Seal, Samor, thy prophetic lips; in vain [715] The trumpet of thy warning shouts abroad. Will the winds hear thee? will the rocks obey? Or hearts than wind more light, than rocks more cold?
Gray Cerdic hath their faint award; they part Jocund, and light of hope; but Samor grasp'd [720] The hand of Elidure: -- "My childhood's friend, I sue thee by all joys we two have shared, Our interchange of souls, communion free Of every thought and motion of our hearts, Our infant pastimes, and our graver joys, [725] Go not thou to this feast." -- "Doth Samor go?" "Britain must have no danger, gentle friend, That Samor shares not; thou art noted well To hate the riotous and brawling feast. With thy fond bride, thy Evelene, await [730] Silent the knowledge whether thou or I Have err'd in this day's council." -- "No, best friend, Samor must have no danger Elidure Shares not; oh, why this cold and gloomy dread? In the deep centre of our isle be held [735] This dreaded banquet. Samor, ne'er thought I, While my mild blood ran contrast, thine would flag, And curdle with the pallid frost of fear."
'Tis famed, that then, albeit amid the rush Of clamorous joy unmark'd, in drearier days [740] Remember'd, signs on earth, and signs in heaven, With loud and solemn interdict arraign'd That hasty treaty; maniacs kindled up With horrible intelligence that pits Of their deep hollow eyes, and meaning strange [745] Gave order to their wandering utterance: stream'd Amid the dusky woods broad sheeted flames; The blue fires on the fen at noon-day danc'd Their wavering morrice, and the bold ey'd wolves Howl'd on the sun. Life, ominous and uncouth, [750] Seiz'd upon ancient and forgotten things; The Cromlechs rock'd, the Druids circles wept Cold ruddy dews; as of that neighbouring feast Conscious, the tall Stone Henge did shrilly shriek As with a whirlwind, though no cloud was mov'd [755] In the still skies. A wailing, as of harps, Sad with no mortal sorrow, sail'd abroad Through the black oaks of Mona. Old deep graves Were restless, and arm'd bones of buried men Lay clattering in their stony cells. 'Twas faith, [760] White women upon sable steeds were seen In fleet career 'neath the rank air; the earth Gave up no echo to their noiseless feet, And on them look'd the Moon with leprous light Prodigious, haply like those slender shapes [765] In the ice desert by Caswallon seen. From Mona to the snowy Dover cliffs, From Skiddaw to St. Michael's vision'd mount, Unknown from heaven, or earth, or nether pit, Unknown or from the living or the dead, From being of this world, or nature higher, Pass'd one long shriek, whereat old Merlin leap'd From his hoar haunt by Snowdon, and in dusk And dreary descant mutter'd all abroad What the thin air grew cold and dim to hear. [775]
'Tis said, rude portents in the Church of God, With insolent noises, brake the holy calm. The gray owl hooted at the noontide chaunt, The young owl clamour'd at the matin song, The pies and ravens, from the steeple top, [780] To the priest's Benedicite moan'd back A sullen hoarse Amen, and obscene bats Around the altar candlesticks did flap Their leathern wings. Yea, from his stricken hand The white-stol'd Bishop to the earth let fall [785] The consecrated chalice; th' holy wine (Ineffable!) flow'd on the pavement stone.
BOOK V.
Swan of the Ocean, on thy throne of waves Exultant dost thou sit, thy mantling plumes Ruffled with joy, thy pride of neck elate, To hail fair Peace, like Angel visitant, Descending, amid joy of earth and heaven, [5] To bless thy fair abode. The laughing skies Look bright, oh, Britain! on thy hour of bliss. In sunshine fair the blithe and bounteous May O'er hill and vale goes dancing; blooming flowers Under her wanton feet their dewy bells [10] Shake joyous; clouds of fragrance round her float. City to city cries, and town to town Wafting glad tidings: wide their flower-hung gates Throw back the churches, resonant with pomp Of priests and people, to the Lord their prayers [15] Pouring, the richest incense of pure hearts. With garland and with song the maids go forth, And mingle with the iron ranks of war Their forms of melting softness; gentle gales Blow music o'er the festal land, from harp [20] And merry rebeck, till the floating air Seem harmony: still all fierce sounds of war; No breath within the clarion's brazen throat; Soft slumber in the war-steed's drooping mane.
Not in the palace proud, or gorgeous hall, [25] The banqueting of Peace; on Ambri plain Glitter the white pavilions, to the sun Their snowy pomp unfolding; there the land Pours its rejoicing multitudes to gaze, Briton and Saxon, in majestic league, [30] Mingling their streaming banners blazon'd waves. Blithe as a virgin bridal, rich and proud As gorgeous triumph for fair kingdom won, Flows forth the festal train; with arms elate The mothers bear their infants to behold [35] That Hengist, whose harsh name erewhile their cheeks Blanch'd to cold paleness; they their little hands Clap, smiling, half delighted, half in dread. Upon that hated head, from virgin hands, Rain showers of bloom; beneath those hated feet [40] Is strewn a flowery pavement; harp and voice Hymn blessings on the Saxon, late denounc'd Th' implacable, inexorable foe.
Lordly they pass'd and lofty; other land Save Britain, of such mighty despots proud, [45] Had made a boast of slavery; giant men In soul as body. Not the Goth more dread, Tall Alaric, who through imperial Rome March'd conqueror, nor that later Orient chief, Turban'd Mohammed, who o'er fall'n Byzance [50] His moony ensign planted: they, unarm'd, Yet terrible, went haughty on, of power A world to vanquish, not one narrow isle.
The hollow vault of heaven is rent with shouts, Wild din and hurry of tumultuous joy [55] Waves the wide throng, for lo, in perfect strength, Consummate height of manhood, but the glow, The purple grace of youth, th' ambrosial hue Of life's fresh morning, on his glossy hair, His smooth and flushing features, Samor comes. [60] His name is on the lisping infant's lips, Floats on the maiden's song; him warrior men Hail with proud crest elate; him present, deem Peace timorous mercy on the invading foe. Around the Kings of Britain, some her shame, [65] Downy and silken with luxurious ease, Others more hardy, in whose valiant looks Were freedom and command: of princely stem Alone were absent the forsaken King And his sad Son, and those twin royal youths, [70] Emrys and Uther; nor the Mountain Lord, With that young eaglet of his race; deign share The gaudy luxuries of peace; save these, All Britain's valiance, princedom, and renown March'd jubilant, with symphony and song. [75]
Noon; from his high empyreal throne the Sun Floods with broad light the living plain; more rich Ne'er blaz'd his summer couch, when sea and sky, In royal pomp of cloudy purple and gold, Curtain his western chambers, breathing men [80] Gorgeous and numberless as those bright waves Flash, in their motion, the quick light; aloof The banqueters, like Gods at nectar feast, Sit sumptuous and pavilion'd; all glad tones From trembling string, or ravishing breath or voice, [85] In clouds of harmony melt up to Heaven; O'erwhelming splendour all of sight and sound, One rich oppression of eye, ear, and mind.
Midnight, in darkness heavy, thick, and chill; In silence rigid, deep and breathless, stands [90] On the wide plain one lonely Man. Wan light, From dim decaying firebrand in his grasp, Feebly, with gleam inconstant, shews his mien Hopeless, too haughty to despair: His eye, As jealous of dark foe, goes wandering round: [95] Yet seems he one more fear'd than fearing; rent His robes' rich splendour; and his ponderous arm, With its wild weapon wearily declin'd, Bears token of rude strife -- though rude, though fierce, By thy brow's pride, thou sad and stately Man! [100] No faint inglorious craven hast thou shrunk, In dread of death, or avarice base of blood.
At that dead hour, in Caesar's city gates [NOTE 10] The Briton wives and mothers sate; at eve They, from the plain, had homeward turn'd, to rock [105] Their infants' rosy sleep, or trim the couch For him belov'd and loving; some, from joy Sleepless, sate watching the gray shadows fall, In luxury of impatience; slumbering some, From weariness of pleasure, in light dreams [110] Liv'd o'er again the morning's jocund hours.
That hour, one horn with long and solemn blast Went wailing up the heavens; less shrill, less drear, Blew through the fatal Roncesvalles pass, In after times, Roland's deep bugle, heard [115] Dolorous, so poets feign, on Paris' wall. The air seem'd shivering where the knell pass'd on, As with a cold wind shudder'd the thick trees.
But those fond women hail that brazen sound, Joy's harbinger, sweet signal of return; [120] As the fond maid her lover's moonlight lute, They drink in its dire harshness, busy round Gazing, if aught neglected, careless aught Belie the welcome, or to wakening child Smile the glad tidings, or along the walls [125] People the dim air with the forms they love. Oh, fond of fancy! credulous of hope! Ye hear but pleasure in that horn; but see, In the dim tumult of yon moving lights, Swift homeward hurrying. Now the slow delay [130] Is but a lengthen'd rapture: steps are heard, And figures indistinct are in the gloom Advancing; yet no festal pomp proclaim'd By music's merry breath, but mute and slow, As from dark funeral: haply wearied all [135] With the long revel day. But ye 'gin trace Some well-known gesture, dear familiar step, Each boastful of her lover's speedier pace. Saxon the first, how wearily slow they pass! Still are they Saxon, Saxon still, the last [140] Saxon; in wonder they, nor yet in fear, Question the dark air with their searching eyes, Incredulous arraign the deepening gloom, That with an envious melancholy shroud Palls the long-look'd for, late-returning. Them, [145] Ah, deeper darkness covers; to their homes Never more to return! Lo, all at once The bloody knives, borne boastful, their red light Flash murtherous; known is all ere aught is fear'd. And yet are there unfaded on their brows [150] The garlands that ye fondly wove, the air Not silent of your blessings. From these walls, At morn, three hundred breathing valiant men Went proudly forth -- in solitary life Moves o'er the plain that one majestic shape, [155] Like Spirit of Vengeance o'er some ghastly land That scoff'd erewhile, in high portentous guilt, The slumbering of God's wrath, now blasted lies, Infecting with the ashes of its wreck The late chastising heavens. So lone, so dark, [160] But pale with human sorrows at his heart, The King of that Bright City in the Vales, Walks the waste gloom, around him the cold winds Speak voices from the dead, and oft he turns, Brandishing defiance on the air, and smites [165] Some seeming Saxon with his smouldering brand.
Now rests he in that old mysterious ring, The dateless and the numberless Stonehenge, That is, and hath been, whence or how, none knows. But even the Master Druid with slow dread [170] Its dangerous precincts trod, though noontide bright Revell'd in the rich heavens, and holiest harps Purified the calm air: rose like the wreck Of some old world the shadowy temple huge, Shapeless magnificence! here souls profane [175] Deem'd rites so potent held as made the oaks Stand still and motionless 'mid the wild storm, And with a light, nor of the stars nor moon, Sheeted the midnight heavens: deem'd some, more sage, Th' Invisible his cloudy presence here [180] Embodied, and with wisdom heavenly and high Full feasted the tranced soul; all the dire place Fled, fearing more, unknowing what they fear'd.
Amid those stony giants that uptower In massy darkness, or in the wind's rush [185] Seem swaying on their dizzy balance, stands, If virtue of aught earthly may feel awe, Awe-struck the Christian; now his calmer soul Had time for grief, for memory; o'er him flows Deep-lulling quiet; here the light and gay [190] Had felt a motion on their lips like prayer, Nor marvel then that holy thoughts oppress'd With a full extacy the Christian soul.
"Merciful! by whose will mine arm hath pav'd With the strewn corpses of my murtherous foes [195] A dismal passage, while around me Death Mow'd Britain with his secret scythe! oh God, I thank thee, if I die, a warrior's death May be my brave distinction: if this life Be worthy thy upholding, though all lost, [200] The friendships and the prides, that made its course Blissful and bright, I thank thee for my life: Thank thee, that yet on British earth shall breathe A Briton, resolute on that last crag, That knows not the rude Saxon's tread, to rise [205] Erect in stately freedom, and o'er-brood The dim and desert beacon of revenge. Or deign'st thou this low frame of dust to choose Thy minister of wrath, I not with prayer Vain and presumptuous, summon from the clouds [210] Thy thunders, nor invoke prodigious Death To smite my foes. Hopes perishable man, At his wild bidding, thou the laws wilt burst, Wherewith thou fetterest thy Omnipotence? Harden to stern endurance these frail limbs, [215] With adamantine patience sheathe my soul, That nor pale shrinking of the coward flesh, Nor inward palsying swerve from its brave scope Th' aspiring spirit; grant thou this sole prayer, And I thus lone, thus desolate proclaim, [220] Single, yet dauntless, to yon Saxon host Stubborn defiance, haughty to bear up The wreck of Britain with unstooping neck."
Now over all the orient sky, the Morn Spread rosy in her youth of light, as fair, [225] As bright her rising on this plain of death, As yesterday, when festal multitudes Greeted her dawn; so vain the boast of man, That earth, and air, and sky, their mimic hues Borrow from his frantic woes and joys. [230]
And o'er the plain began his lonely way The Warrior, on his brow the unheeded wind Fannd freshness, and the wandering lark unheard, Quiver'd her blithe song, like an airy voice, Bathing in light. Anon a dale beneath [235] Open'd, and slow withdrew the misty veil That o'er her hamlets roofs and bowery trees Ting'd with a liquid azure the thin air. Along the winding path he roves, that none, Save feet habituate to its maze, could thread, [240] Heedless that here to Elidure's green home He came, unweeting visitant. Within, Breathless, as though she listen'd in her sleep, Close to the door, as jealous lest some ear Earlier than her own should catch the sound [245] Of Elidure's returning tread, or voice Anticipate the welcome of her own, Reclin'd the bride, soft Evelene. The step Up from the pillowing hand her flushing cheek Waken'd, or ere the threshold he o'erpast, [250] The form yet indistinct to her quick sight, Murmur'd her fond upbraiding. "Truant Lord, Art thou too chang'd, thou too of midnight feast Enamour'd? time hath been the rosy cup, Thou Saxon in thy revels, had look'd pale [255] To Evelen's cheek." -- 'Tis wretched solace, yet 'Tis solace in the drear extreme of grief, To find one human heart whose deeper woe Makes weakness of our wailing. Though alone Of the fray's dizzy tumult lay distinct [260] Elidure's image on the Wanderer's soul, His image as beneath the Saxon steel Dying, he struggled back to life from joy His stern friend to behold with fiery brand Piercing his path of flight, less bitter seem'd [265] His cup of woe, when from his sprang that bride, Nor knew him; knew him but no Elidure. Then sued for tidings, and with all her soul Listen'd, but could not hear, mistrusting all While yet but fearing, but when all assured, [270] Mistrusting even her fears, even then to hope Clinging with desperate energy of soul. Her Samor left in that dead night of mind, When madness were a comfort, all wild whirl, All dizzy hurry of rack'd sense were rich [275] Were rapturous to that blank and dismal void, When one incessant miserable thought Blends with the life, the being of the spirit.
Him scared no Saxon clarion, the drear blast Winding of fleet pursuit; came o'er his soul [280] His own, his wedded Emerie, her babes Hushing, while greedily with ear and soul She drinks each sound the busy babbling fame Spreads on the wandering winds; the fleetest steed Of Elidure bestriding, still he moves [285] A tardy laggard to his soul's desire. Sedulous each throng'd haunt of man avoids His jealous speed, and still from town and tower Came blithely forth the jubilant hymns of peace; Still unextinguish'd their glad brilliance, wan'd [290] In morn's gray mists the yellow festal fires.
Day pass'd, day sank, 'tis now the dewy eve, Beneath him, in the soft and silent light, Spread the fair Valleys, mead and flowery lawn With their calm verdure interspers'd allay [295] The forest's ponderous blackness, or retire Under the chequering umbrage of dim groves, Whose shadows almost slumber: far beyond Huge mountains, brightening in their secret glens, Their cold peaks bathe in the rich setting sun, [300] Sweeps through the midst broad Severn, deep and dark, His monarchy of waters, its full flow Still widening, as he scorn'd to bear the main Less tribute than a sea; or inland roll'd Ambitious ocean, of his tide to claim [305] The wealthy vassalage. High on its marge Shone the Bright City, in her Roman pomp, Of bath, and theatre, and basilic, Smooth swelling dome, and spiring obelisk, Glittering like those more soft and sunny towns [310] That bask beneath the azure southern skies In marble majesty. Silent she stands In the rich quiet of the golden light. The banner on her walls its cumbrous folds Droops motionless. But Samor turn'd aloof, [315] Where lordly his fair dwelling's long arcade On its white shafts the tremulous glittering light Cherish'd, and starry with the river dews Its mantle of gay flowers, the odorous lawn Down sloped, as in the limpid stream to bathe. [320]
No watch-dog, with glad bark and fawning joy, His Lord saluted. Samor mark'd it not. No menial caught the slack rein from his hand. He heeded not. No swift familiar step Forth started at his coming; face of joy [325] Brightened not -- vacant all; yet heeds he not. No infants, in their giddy, tottering speed, Clung round his knees. So early at their rest, Thought the fond father. Emeric's chamber door Stands open; he but paused his name to hear [330] Low mingled with her murmur'd orisons: All hush'd as in a tomb; perchance she sleeps, At his long absence heartsick. He the folds Gently withdrawing of his nuptial bed, As with the amorous violence of his lips [335] To wake her to delicious fear, bends down. Cold, cold as marble, the forsaken bed Received the fervent pressure. Back he sprung, And strange, like one that moveth in his sleep, Stood with loose arms and leaden listless gaze. [340] Unconscious, to the city walls, far seen From that high chamber, rove his eyes: behold Against the Sun's last light a wandering breeze Swells up the heavy banner; in the gleam The White Horse of the Saxon shakes his mane. [345]
Then felt he the blank silence, then perceiv'd The tumult, and rude disarray that marr'd The face of his fair dwelling. Forth he rush'd, As eager that his soul at one wild draught Might glut itself with perfect woe, all ill [350] Exhausted, laugh drain'd destiny to scorn. Cradle and infants couch with frantic hand Hurrying he explores, the sad chill void Almost delights. Now on the river brink He watches yon huge forms that pace the walls, [355] Saxon their long black lances, Saxon helms Nod o'er their lofty brows terrific gloom.
Lo! at his feet, beneath a primrose bed, Half veil'd, and branching alder that o'er-droop'd Its dark green canopy, a slumbering child -- [360] If slumber might be call'd, that but o'erspread A wan disquiet o'er the wither'd cheek, Chok'd the thin breath that through the pallid lip Scarce struggled, clos'd not the soft sunken eye. Well Samor knew her, of his love first pledge, [365] First, playfullest, and gentlest: he but late Luxurious in the fulness of his woe, Clings to this 'lorn hope, like a drowning man, Not yet, not yet in this rude world alone. Lavish of fond officious zeal, he bathes [370] With water from the stream her marble brow, Chafes her; and with his own warm breath recalls The wandering life, that like a waning lamp Glimmer'd anon, then faded: but when slow Unfix'd her cold unmeaning eye regain'd [375] Brief consciousnesss, powerless her languid arm Down fell again, half lifted in his hair To wreathe as it was wont, with effort faint Strove her hard features for a woful smile: And the vague murmurs of her lips 'gan fall [380] Intelligible to his ear alone. "And thou art come -- too late -- yet thou art come," -- He soothing her with hope, he knew most false, Slow modell'd from her broken faltering voice One sad continuous story. -- "'Twas at eve [385] We went to rest, I never slept so soft; Our mother lull'd us with assurance sweet Of thy returning. -- By and by I woke, But the bright morning was not shining fair, Nor the birds singing as they us'd. I saw, [390] By a dim and dusky light, huge iron men With hair like fire, and their fierce voices spake Strange language: of my prayers I thought, and strove My eyes to close, still those grim-visag'd men Stood in the wavering darkness by the light [395] Of their blue weapons -- then they went away. I crept out to my mother's couch; she lay Asleep, but not as I have seen her sleep, When I have stol'n at morn to look on her, And thou hast laid me by her quiet side. [400] She shiver'd in her sleeping, and her skin Was chilly to the touch, yet, oh to sleep, Even as she did, I long'd; for they came back, Those shapes in all their darkness, all their light, Before their rugged faces I felt cold [405] As in the snow time; my eyes could not see, Oh, but I heard a dizzy sound, like shrieks Of many voices all at once. I thought Rude hands were busy on my mother's couch, As though to bear her thence -- yet woke she not. [410] Oh Father, I have never look'd on death, But she was dead, I felt that she was dead. I could not breathe, yet from my thirsty throat My voice was bursting, but down o'er me fell The foldings of the couch -- long, long it seem'd, [415] Ere from that cumbrous weight I struggled forth, Then all was silent, all except the dash Of distant oars; I cried aloud, and heard But my own voice, I search'd, yet found I none; Not one in all these wide and lofty halls, [420] My mother, my sweet brothers gone, all gone. Almost I wish'd those fierce men might return To bear me too in their dread arms away. Hither I wander'd, for the river's sound Was joyous to the silence that came cold [425] Over my bosom, since the Sun hath shone, Yet it seem'd dark -- but oh, 'tis darker now, Darker, my Father, all within cold, cold. The soft warmth of thy lips no more can reach This shuddering in my breast -- yet kiss me still." -- [430]
Vain, all in vain, that languid neck no more Rises to meet his fondness, that pale hand Drops from his shoulder, that wooed voice hath spent Its last of sweetness: wanted this alone That could enhance his agony, baffled hope. [435]
Quiet and cool the deep tide at his feet Rolls with a tranquil murmur; one lone gleam Still lingering from the sunken Sun, beneath The moving surface, lightens its cold depth. How pleasant in its secret caves to quench [440] The soul, the body's fever; to cast off This restless, trembling consciousness, that clings Enamour'd to its anguish, sedulous To nurse its own disquiet: not to feel, Though cast by wandering waves on Emeric's grave; Though Saxon barks triumphant bound above, [446] To feel not, and have freedom though in death. For why this barren wilderness of earth Still haunt, man's pity, and the arch fiend's scoff? Why to the wearying wretchedness of life [450] Cling with a coward fondness? -- but a step To quiet -- to forgetfulness, a step.
But alien to proud Samor those bad thoughts Startled his nature, burnt his soul with shame, That such unholy musings dare intrude [455] On its sad sanctity; upright he sprung; Oh, not in vain a Christian, with clench'd hand And inward rack convulsive of chok'd pain, Forc'd calmness to his brow: his hollow voice Wrought to a mournful fortitude. -- "Oh thou, [460] Glorious in thy prosperity of crime, Hengist, and thou that barter'st thy old fame For sweet lascivious chambering, hast unking'd Thy stately soul within the wreathing arms Of that fair Saxon, in loose dalliance soft [465] To steep the inebriate sense, on Samor's state Look, and be pale with envy; he dares stand Lofty beneath yon starry throne of God, And bless him, that his fate is scant and poor In joys like your's, by all your pomp, your bliss, [470] Made lovesick of his misery; still he feels The haughty solace of disdain; still soothes The madness of his grief by pitying you. Nor yet, oh impotent of cruelty, I am not utterly from this dark world [475] Estrang'd and outcast: gone, for ever gone, Those exquisite mild luxuries of the heart, That summer sunshine of the soul, sweet love, That makes life what we deem of heaven; remain Hardier delights, severer joys. Oh reft [480] Of all thy brave, thy princely, of my faith, Thou hast a deeper need -- be thou my bride, Oh Britain, to thy wreck I proudly wed The sadness of my widowhood, and bid Pale bridesmaids to our nuptials, holy Wrath [485] And iron-handed Vengeance; and invoke Death, that dark minstrel from fast-slaughter'd mounds Of Saxons, to awake our bridal hymn, And spread for torchlight on our spousal eve Wild gratulation of their funeral fires. [490]
"And thou, of stainless denizen of heaven, Soft soul of my lost Emeric, endure Though jealous my new bride from thee bereave The rude tumultuous day, the midnight hour I consecrate thee; then slide thou down, [495] Like moonlight on the darkness' raven wing, And oh, if human passion, human love, Stain the pure essence of immortal spirits, Leave heaven in heaven, earth's frailer loveliness Resuming, chaste mild fondness, timorous warmth, [500] Visit my desert fancy. Him by day, Savage and merciless, with soul of steel, And pale brow cloudy with a nation's cares, Shall midnight find an amorous dreamer fond, A dotard on a dim unreal shade." [505]
Now o'er what was the rosy, playful, warm, Now pale, now changeless, icy cold, the maid Whose blue eyes danc'd with rapture, whose light step Was consort to the air-roving winds (half seal'd That lustreless wan azure; stiff and damp [510] Those sprightly limbs) oft pausing as yet loath To part from what he shudder'd to behold, Heaps Samor the light earth; ere o'er her face He plac'd the primrose knot, once stoop'd his lips, And started to find cold what he knew dead. [515]
Now closed that mournful office, nearing fast Is heard a dash of oars, and at his side Forth leap'd an armed Saxon, with rais'd arm Menacing; but Samor down with scornful strength The grim intruder dash'd to earth, and fix'd [520] His stern heel on his neck, and stood in act The life to trample from the grasping trunk. Sudden withdrawn his angry tread, he spake, "Thee first of Saxon race, thee last, this arm Spares, not of milky mercy, but as meet [525] To minister my purpose; go unscath'd, And tell to Hengist, tell thy Lord, who robs The Lion's den, should chain the Lion first; Add, Samor is abroad," -- Then to the boat He sprang, and pass'd to Severn's western shore. [530]
BOOK VI.
A voice, o'er all the waste and prostate isle Wandereth a valiant voice; the hill, the dale, Forest and mountain, heath and ocean shore Treasure its mystic murmurs; all the winds From the bleak moody East to that soft gale [5] That wantons with the summer's dewy flowers, Familiar its dark burthen waft abroad.
Is it an utterance of the earth? a sound From the green barrows of the ancient dead? Doth fierce Cassivelan's cold sleep disdain [10] That less than Cæsar with a master's step Walk his free Britain? Doth thy restless grave, Bonduca, to the slavish air burst ope, And thou, amid the laggard cars of war, Cry, "Harness and away!" But far and wide, [15] As when from marish dank, or quaking fen, Venomous and vast the clouds uproll, and spread Pale pestilence along the withering land, So sweeps o'er all the isle his wasting bands The conqueror Saxon; he, far worse, far worse [20] His drear contagion, that the body's strength Wastes, and with feverish pallor overlays The heaven-shap'd features; this the nobler soul, With slavery's base sickliness attaints, Making man's life more hideous than his death. [25] Thames rolls a Saxon tide; in vain delays Deep Severn on Plinlimmon's summits rude His narrow freedom, tame anon endures Saxon dominion: high with arms uplift, As he had march'd o'er necks of prostrate kings, [30] Caswallon on the southern shore of Trent Drives onward, he nought deeming won, while aught Remains unwon. But still that wonderous voice, Like vulture in the grisly wake of war, Hovers, and flings on air his descant strange, [35] "Vengeance and Vigilance!" -- in van, in rear, Around, above, beneath, the clouds of Heaven Enshroud it in their misty folds; earth speaks From all her caves, "Vengeance and Vigilance!" Aye, at that sound the Briton crest assumes [40] High courage and heroic shame, he wears With such bold mien his slavery, he might seem Lord over fortune, and with calm disdain He locks his fetters, like proud battle arms. Without a foe o'er this wide land of foes [45] Marcheth the Saxon. City, tower, and fort On their harsh hinge roll back their summon'd gates, With such a sullen and reluctant jar, Submission seems defiance. Though to fear Impassive, scarce the Victor dare unfurl [50] Banner of conquest on the jealous air. Less perilous were frantic strife, were wrath Desperate of life, and blind to death, wild hate Of being struck all heedless so it strike, Than this high haughty misery, that fierce woe [55] Baffles by brave endurance, and confronts With cold and stern contentedness all ill, Outrage, and insult, ravage, rape, and wreck, That dog barbaric Conquerors march of war. 'Tis like the sultry silence, ushering forth [60] The thunder's cloudy chariot, rather like The murky smothering of volcanic fire Within its rocky prison; forth anon Bursts the red captive, to the lurid heaven Upleaps, and with its surging dome of smoke [65] Shuts from the pale world the meridian Sun. But in their camp, in fierce divan and full, The lordly robbers sate, assemblage proud, Ethling, and Erle, and King, for council met, For council and carousal; so they deem'd [70] [NOTE 11] The drunken sense would hardier daring grasp, And the bold revel of the blood, the soul Flush to more noble valiance, strong desire In fierce embrace to meet that mistress dark, Danger: Hoarse din of merriment, the air [75] Smote with meet music blending loud and deep.
But Horsa lighting with disdainful mirth His broad bright eye, 'gan scoff with rugged jest. "Ill have we done, though for one sumptuous feast Be our's this spacious isle, ill have we done; -- [80] That in our prodigal and heedless waste Of those tall high-born Britons spared we none To tilt at with our thirsty spears, and scare The frost and slumber from our sluggish hearts. Now hang we forth our banners to disport [85] In the smooth breeze, our armours steeled clasps To summons soft of Lady's tender hands Surrender; or go joust the hardy oaks For pastime. Oh, along these velvet plains To prance 'mid timorous hinds with their pale souls [90] In their white faces, heralds crouching low, With looks beseeching, voices meek, clasp'd hands; 'Tis tame and wearisome as at dead noon To rock upon the flat and lazy sea."
"This too," cried hoary Cerdic; "this bright sword Loathes its long Christian fast, yet not despairs [96] Erewhile to glut with banquet rich and full Its ravening blade; for trust me, fiery Erle, Many a fierce steed hath brook'd the brazen curb, That chaf'd anon, from his high seat to dust [100] Hath shaken his pale rider; Erle, I read In yon bow'd foreheads sterner characters Than abject, tame allegiance, homage base: There the firm purpose, meditation deep, And study of revenge; the wand of peace [105] Is in their hands, but in their souls they grasp The battle-axe and spear." -- A bitter laugh Came with the fierce reply, "Shall Horsa watch The shiftings in the visage of a slave; I issue forth my mandate, and 'tis done, [110] Whether with cloudy or with sunshine brow I know not and regard not." -- Cerdic's voice, Ruffled to somewhat of prophetic tone:
"Not, Horsa, to the stones, the deaf dull stones, Nor the cold current of the senseless winds [115] Speaks that wild orator, the Man, whose paths Are hidden as the ways of fate, unknown Who knoweth all, who seeth all unseen, Nor like the lightning shaft his presence dread Divulgeth, but to shatter, but to slay. [120] Whose breath beneath the soft dove's snowy down A soul might breathe of valour to outsoar The falcon's pitch of pride: I tell thee, Erle, This soft effeminate Britain, to our sway Gentle and pliant as a willow wand, [125] Will that dark Man uprear a ponderous Mace To crush our infant empire." -- "Man! hath man Curdled the blood of Offa, made his soul Patient of that pale trembling motion, fear, And Offa live, live shameless of his shame, [130] Amid his peers with unblench'd front to say, These knees have quail'd, these stubborn joints have felt The aspin's coward fluttering, and the Sun That saw his flight, hath seen not his revenge. Cerdic, the name of perishable man [135] Thou dost belie, so titling beings dim; Viewless and formless denizens of air, That sport and dally with the human shape Making of mortals of their mortal peers, Dark things of doubt and danger. We had sworn, [140] Gurmund and Sigvart, Ælla, Attilar, And other six, than whom no German arm Sways heavier the long lance, nor German foot Treads firmer battle's crimson paths, I speak, Fiery-soul'd Horsa, to thy front; to thine, [145] High-sceptred Hengist! mortal steel we swore Should choke that full-voic'd Wanderer's clamorous breath. Sage oath! as to adjure our souls, and vow Th' irregular mad ocean our word "Peace" Should hearken, and sleek smooth his cresting waves. But gaily went we forth with brand and bow, [151] Like hunters to the chase, scoffing our prey. 'Now if he meet us in his mortal shape, Let him melt back into his native air; Then shall he scape' -- high o'er our path a rock [155] Hung beetling, from its summit came a voice, 'Behold him!' -- with the voice a fragment vast, An earthquake had been weak to hurl it forth; Two stately necks to the low earth sank down, And o'er them that huge mass lay stern and still, [160] Like an old giant's monument. But we Leap'd onward, Ælla met the dark unknown, Heavy with ruin hung his arm in air, But in his valiant heart a javelin stood, Drinking the crimson life. Still on we swept, [165] Many a wild league o'er moor and marish swamp, Forest and wold, and still our pathway lay O'er the warm corpses of our foremost peers. Sole, sad survivors of our host, we came, Sigvart and Offa; on the giddy brink [170] Of precipice abrupt the Conqueror paus'd, As weary with his prowess, our defeat, To mock us with the calmness of his rest. "Now come what will," cried Sigvart, "come what may, Or thou, or I, or both." -- Then on he sprung, [175] Yet not the more relax'd that shape of gloom Its stern contemptuous quiet, wav'd his arm With motion less of strife than proud command, And then of Sigvart's fall the deep abyss Sent up a hollow sound. I fled, proud Peers, [180] I say again, I fled, and, or disdain'd That being dark a lone and single foe: Or by the shielding of our mightier Gods I 'scap'd -- "I too (cried Hermingard), I too Of that mysterious Wanderer have known [185] The might and savage mercy. I had stray'd Into a fabric fair, of Christian Gods, A fane it seem'd, rich-crested pillars rang'd On either side, above the hollow roof Aye lessening, seem'd to melt into the air [190] On which it floated. -- High uprear'd there shone An altar, bright with chalice, lamp, and cup All of the flaming gold. I rush'd to seize, An arm was on my neck, that dash'd me down Like a soft infant; then a vengeful voice [195] Struck on my dizzy hearing. -- "But thy blood Would dye this holy pavement with foul stain, Heathen, thy soul and mortal shape were rent Asunder." -- As I fled, I turn'd -- reclin'd Low by that altar on his knees, all quench'd [200] Fierce wrath and fiery menace, drooping all Stern pride of mastery, triumph, and high scorn That wild Unknown, calm, not with weariness; Gentle, but not with sleep. Majestic light Beam'd on the quiet of his heavenward brow, [205] Yet human tears stood glittering in his eyes. My thoughts were vengeance, but the cold clear air Went creeping up my veins, an awful frost Drank up the languid current of my blood, And unrevenged I fled that tranquil Man." [210]
Upsprang young Abisa, and beauteous scorn Curl'd his smooth cheek --"in tumult or in calm; But have he blood within his beating veins, Mine is a steel of such a searching thirst, 'Twill drain its crimson source." "Thou! wanton Boy," The pale laugh wrinkling on his swelling lip. [216] "Thou! thou! (cried Offa) with thy mother's milk Yet white within thy beardless cheek." -- "Proud Jute, The stem of Woden is a mounting tree, Its saplings soar to meet the golden Sun, [220] While tamer shrubs creep with base trail on earth. Hengist, my King, my Brother! by our Sire I swear, that ne'er again metheglin cup Shall sparkle on these lips, till I have met This mystic deity of Offa's fear." [225]
Then on the Monarch turn'd all eyes; he sate In darkness, or by chance, or art the lamps Stream'd bright and yellow down the festal board But fell no ray within his folded robe. Yet wore not Hengist on his brow his soul, [230] High spake he from its cold and stately calm, Law to the lawless, to the dauntless dread; But his were rarer qualities of power, Dominion o'er himself; deep, deep within Dwelt all the stormy passions; by no eye [235] Pierc'd in its dark abiding lay the spirit With all its shames and grandeurs, loves and hates, And all its greedy family of lusts. Though now there seem'd beneath his royal crown A faint uncertain paleness, as of fear [240] Not wholly quell'd, and on his cheek and lip Hover'd a quivering motion, ere he spake, But cool his speech. -- "Presumptuous youth, thy oath Though wild, is holy -- Woden guard thee well. Yet art thou sole in madness? time hath been [245] When the brave phrenzy of rash daring spread A broad contagious flame through all our camp; Till not a sword but sham'd its sluggish sheath, Needed not Saxon king, as now, to gild Fair danger ere it please'd, as now proclaim [250] Rich guerdon to the warrior, that aspires To rival Woden's blood, and be the peer Of Abisa in peril and renown. More lofty duties fetter thee and me, High Horsa" -- (for the fiery warrior's hand [255] Had started to his sword's familiar hilt) Rob we not of their fame the valiant Erles."
No seat was vacant, not a voice came forth, As he were single in his shame sate each, Nor dared on his compeers to look, in fear [260] Soul might be there more dauntless than his own. Blank silence all! but loud that silence spake. Not vainly, Samor, worn thy title proud, Avenger! by thy country's Conquerors thou Magnificently deified; so soar'd [265] Thy mortal virtue o'er their tamer Gods. Not that the vassal elements thy sway Hearken'd, nor beings of the middle air Stoop'd on their glistening wings to work thy will. Avenger! but for thee, the Almighty wrought [270] Most marv'lous, most mirac'lous; in thy soul, That nobler field, high wonders manifold Laboured to light and lustre: for what thought Unwing'd by inbreath'd Godhead e'er might dream Of glory to be born from this broad night [275] Of desolation and deep darkness, strive For faint, impalpable, and airy good, Through the thick clouds of evil and of woe, Strong, stately constant, like an eagle set To drink the last light of the parting sun? [280] What heart of earthly clay, that ne'er imbib'd Holier and purer ether, might endure Danger, dismay, despair, all ills, that wring Within, and rack and rankle? not alone Fierce wrong and insult of triumphant foe, [285] But worse, far worse, from those our friends misdeem'd, Pity of calm, cold cowards, or rude scorn From sleek and smiling slaves; or scoff and mock At thy hard sufferings from those ingrate hearts For whom thou suffer'st; these the woes that wait [290] That nobly desperate, who with stedfast hand The statue of his country's fame, down dash'd And trampled by barbarian feet, ingrain'd With the coarse dust and black, before the world Would rear again to sov'reignty and state. [295] But thou didst strive and suffer, thou didst hope, And therefore in thy dark and silent deeds Beam'd manifest God's Spirit; till in thee Even the base body that e'er clogs and clouds The nobler energies, its state infirm [300] Shook off, and by communion close assum'd The soul's immortal essence, or the soul A climate and peculiar atmosphere Spread round its weaker instrument of power. Hence human accidents of heat and cold, [305] Famine and thirst, wasting and weariness, Fell light and thin upon thy tranquil frame, Like flakes of snow upon th' unbroken lake; Thus didst thou pass most fearless, and most fear'd; [310] By virtue, and thy foeman's dread, array'd In attributes of strong divinity; Danger became thy safety, thy renown Grew from thy utter desperate wretchedness.
But now the more enjoy'd that Saxon youth His solitude of glory; forth he springs [315] Hasty, lest valorous repentance fire Some rival Erle of half his peril yet To wrong him. In his tent, soft languid sounds Expiring on her falling lute, arose To welcome home her Lord his beauteous slave; [320] His slave! is that her slavery, round his neck The snowy girdle of her arms to wreathe? To catch a master's mandate doth she raise The bashful fringes of her eyes, and meet Those glances of no lordly scorn, that soothe [325] Her gentle wayward angriness of love, Soothe, dare not chide, that coldness faint and brief That would be wooed, but sweeter to be won? Nor dares not she withhold that arm uprais'd From their high stand the furniture of fight, [330] Glaive, corslet, morion to displace; her touch Now clings with soft resistance, playful now Thwarts his stern purpose. -- "Oh, remove not them; In hours of absence, thou too dearly lov'st, They are my comfort, my companions they, [335] My all but thou: the dusky shades of eve Brown o'er their glittering steal, and there array, A bright and armed man, th' officious air Gives motion, and with all thy graceful pride Shakes the light plumage, thou art there, in spite [340] Of thy own tardy lingering, thou art there. Oh, I have woke at midnight, when my soul With thee hath been a wanderer through sad fields, 'Mid death and battle, though my lightest touch Had prov'd thee by my side, yet my faint hand [345] Lack'd courage with that dangerous proof to front My unsubstantial fears. Oh then, if light Of star or moon on their blue surface gleam'd, Or wind awoke them into sound, again Calm on my pillow droop'd my cheek to rest, [350] Secure to find thee sweetly slumbering there. Yet, yet unwon, oh, lighten that cold brow, And I will sing the soft and sleepy song That makes a woman of thy angry eyes, Lulls the rude tumult in thy troubled breast, [355] Leaving nought there but melody and me."
Then started she to feel how hard and cold Between her and her bosom's resting place The corslet lay, by stealth her fond embrace Supplanting; gently his one arm declin'd [360] Over her neck, in careless fondness hangs, Busy the other, its rude office frames Linking the breastplate's clasps; now holds he back From her approaching lips his cheek, to fix The weighty morion; but her garrulous grief [365] Paus'd not -- "At midnight! now! oh brave misdeem'd, Misdeem'd, who only th' open day would front With his bold armour; who but I would love, I, weak and brainsick, one whose valour shrouds Its prowess in the cloudy gloom of night? [370] Oh not, oh not to war, thou goest to win Some lovelier or some newer bride. Go, go, Though faithless, barbarous, cruel, cold to me, Yet make not her too wretched, make not her Heartsick with sad expectance." -- But her arms [375] Belied her desperate language, closer clasp'd With more than maiden strength. "Oh, stony heart, And I for thee forsook my infant home, Where all my steps were music, all my smiles Glad sunshine to my parents wintry blood, [380] That glanc'd like summer waters at my sight: For thee did violence to my virgin fame: By war's rude force might I have seem'd enthrall'd, A luckless, pitied damsel; my fond heart Ill brook'd the coarse reproach of ravisher [385] Should couple with a name so dear as thine. At night-fall fled I to thee; even as now The stars shone beauteous, and a kindly gloom Curtain'd our meeting even as now; no change From soft and fond and gentle, but in thee." -- [390] "Peace, trembler, peace! to-morrow's dawn shall hail, Borne in the shield of honour, on the necks Of his tall peers, thy Abisa; no voice Silent, no quiet in the troubled air, Restless with his hymn'd triumph, Offa's heart [395] Sick with wan envy. Then, Myfanwy, then My glory shall make rapture of thy tears, And thou shalt bless the grief that wrings thee now." "Oh, glory hath a stern and savage mate, Danger, her lawless paramour, enfolds [400] Her beauties in his churlish arms. Oh pause, And yet farewell, 'tis exquisite to part, For oh, thou weep'st at parting, 'twast past hope To see a tear on that stern face for me." --
She hath her last cold kiss through the barr'd helm Won hardly; she is calm as though it dwelt [406] Yet on her lips, she hears his parting steps, Yet lingers on her cheek that liquid glow, That brilliant harmony of smile and tear That at the presence of the one belov'd [410] Flits o'er the settled purple of the cheek. Oh, if soft woman hath her wilder fears, She hath her wilder hopes, for man's stern grasp Too thin, too airy! "Never yet found false, Thou wilt return;" (so wanton'd her gay dreams) [415] "So young, so lovely, fate would shame to snatch So early the choice glories of the earth." -- Then sate she down triumphal coronets To weave, but not in modest quiet grief, And gentle resignation pale and mild, [420] But with a dancing heart and bright blithe eye; And when her eyelids droop'd, soft o'er her came A sweet inconstant slumber, such as sleep Love-dreaming maidens ere their bridal morn.
But through the clear calm night, the azure plain Of heaven, with all its glittering paths of light [426] Distinct and dazzling, mov'd that fair-hair'd youth; So, if old fable may be won to smile Its grace upon our darker tale, the boy, Smooth-cheek'd Endymion, his enamour'd Moon [430] Woo'd with no lawless witchcraft from her sphere: Nor she delay'd, her silver-sandal'd feet Gliding and glancing o'er the dews she came, And curtain'd in a cloud of snowy light, Mock'd mortal harps that hymn'd her cold and chaste. No amorous fancies o'er thy downless cheek [436] Flushing their rosy heat, no love-lipp'd tones In sweet disturbance stealing on the air, Young Abisa! with more imperious charm Thou summon'st from wild wood or cavern'd heath, [440] Nor vainly, their fierce habitant. Behold, A shadow by thine own, its stately length On the white dews advancing; at thy side The Avenger, as upsprung from nether earth.
Then fatal gladness leap'd in that young heart, [445] He flung his vizor'd helmet proudly up, And dash'd defiance 'gainst fierce Offa's dread.
But Samor, for when his pure heart was wean'd From all the faint and feeble of his kind, The mercies clung within, and gentleness [450] So mingled with his nature, that it slaked Even the blood-thirsting phrenzy of revenge; Samor that beauteous youth survey'd, the stars Glimmer'd a blue and hazy light, that shewed His soft locks spreading their bright clusters wide, [455] His vermeil cheek most lovely in its wrath, And brow that seem'd to wonder and delight At its own dauntlessness. So tall, so fair; Oft had he imag'd his own perish'd boy In flower of youth, that flower which never bloom'd. [460] Tender and mild his voice, as though he spake Even to that dead belov'd -- "Oh, brave and fair, Why thus abroad amid the silent night, With menace and fierce gesture wild and strange?" "Thou heardst my call, thou seest my arms, my aim [465] Idly thou question'st." -- "Tis not, gentle youth, Thy golden luxury of hair, nor cheek Warm in the rosy wantonness of youth, But thy brave bearing, gallant mien and proud, That winds long-banish'd mercy round my sword, [470] To save from it one Saxon life." -- "Soft praise, And sweet from lady's lips, but not to hear Smooth Flattery's descant come I, but to win What, being won, is in its lofty self Imperishable beauty, garlands youth [475] With honour passing the white hairs of age, Glory, the life of life." -- "And is there none Whose pillow dreams of thee are haunting now? No mother, whose last waking thought was hope, At morn, to meet thee in thy wonted glow [480] Of loveliness and life? No gentle maid Whom the bare thought of paleness in thy cheek, Of death's wan chill upon thy brow, would waste And wither like the canker'd flower of spring? Return to her, oh fair, high-minded youth! [485] Ere yet too late, return." -- But more delay The hot youth brook'd not; down he clasp'd his helm And leaping to the frantic onset, cried, Now, Offa, for thy shame, and for thy meed, My brother Hengist!" -- As when lightning flame [490] Dashes at midnight o'er his slumbering lids, Up starts the wild steed, all his tawny mane Bristling and blazing, he devours the earth In fury; even so sudden those rash words Set flames upon the Avenger's brow, set wrath [495] On the impetuous motion of his spear.
Oh, holy Night! in thy injurious gloom How blank the proud distinctions of man's fame! Languor and loftiness, and shame and pride In one dead darkness, deep forgetfulness, [500] Lie, as within a grave, till Virtue's self, But for her haughty consciousness within, Might weary of her mute and viewless deeds. Secret and still, that I might violate Thy mysteries, and redeem from envious gloom [505] That Saxon boy's dead honours, dearly won, Most dearly, yet most nobly. Morn shall tell The issue of that conflict, but no morn Will dawn upon his silent, perish'd praise.
Two hours are past, alone the Avenger moves [510] Under the stars of heaven; 'tis midnight deep, Now comes his hour of softness; love-sick boy, Tuning soft phrenzies to his wanton lute, Is not more wild, fantastical, or fond, Than Britain's stately hope, high Hengist's dread. [515] For ever at this hour, of parted joy Dim gleams revisit his forsaken soul, Like once-lov'd music o'er a maniac's ear, Faintly and feebly sweet, the dead put on Their earthly lustre, Emeric comes, as fair [520] As from the bridal altar, but less coy, In fervent full abandonment of love. The breezes are melodious with her voice, The dews are printed by her slender feet, She flows into his arms, her fond embrace [525] Is warm upon his soul. Thus aye she comes, Or when 'tis wintry in the starless skies, Or when the moonlight bathes the earth, to her Heaven opes its crystal portals, beauteous light Ushers her presence, sleep can ne'er estrange [530] That luxury from his heart; when consciousness Of all things earthly slumbereth and is dead, She haunts within, her sweet intrusion clings To the lull'd spirit, senseless but to her, All, all the living of the man is her's. [535]
Oh, in their dreamings, their communions wild With airy, immaterial visitants, Most differ Guilt and Virtue; there are shapes Hideous and hateful, snaky Gorgon smiles, And all the fabled populace of hell, [540] Brooding disquiet o'er the thorny couch; But Virtue's visions are almost as fair As Angels blest realities; to thee Lovely thy nightly visitant, sad Chief! As to man, sinless yet in Eden's bowers, [545] On beds of odorous amaranth asleep, Yet uncreated, came his virgin bride, Delicate phantom; then his fresh pure soul Amorous enchantment, first entranc'd, first rose That our best feeling, of lost Paradise [450] That sole surviving pleasure, holy love.
Beauteous thy blue uprising, mist-rob'd Morn; All thy bright glittering of fantastic dews With their thin tissue silkening the green meads, And all thy music of blithe leaves that dance [555] In the caressing breeze, and matins gay From all the living woodland, Sleep is pleas'd To be so sweetly banish'd her soft reign. But dreary are thy sounds, and sad thy light On the lewd wassail, riots orgies rude, Polluting day with sights that shame dark night.
Now from the state pavilion forth are pour'd The synod of high banqueters, their eyes Hot with loose raptures and distemper'd joy, Voluptuously turbulent their souls. [565] Right in their way stood fix'd a lofty spear, Not with gay garland crown'd, or streaming silk, But, with that beauteous head that yesternight Confronted them with graceful pride; the cheek Where wantonly youth's rosy banner gleam'd, [570] Pale, dewy, stiffening, lifeless, lustreless; Part matted with red damp the golden locks Clung round the spear, part curling on the air, Sad semblance shew'd of life, in all the rest Making the stillness and fix'd cold more dread. [575]
No cheek was there so bright, voluptuous heart So hot, but, like bleak snow, fear fell on it With a cold thrill and searching; if their sight Had yet perception, humbler chiefs might draw From high example comfort for their dread; [580] Brow might they see with kingly crown beset, White, sad, and shrunken as their own. Alone, Fierce smil'd the pride of Offa; he held up To those wan lips the sparkling shell of mead: "Drink, thou hast kept thy oath, drink, soft-lipp'd boy!"
O'er all the camp spread loud and wide and far [586] The name of Abisa; Myfanwy heard Where lay she dreaming half, and fabling half Of garlands and of gay triumphal pomp. How nimble are the feet that bear light hearts. [590] She is gone forth, and all for joy forgot The veil e'er wont to dim her dazzling cheek, Forgot the braiding of her hair, the maid So soft, so timorous, at the wanton breeze She oft hath trembled, 'neath day's eye retired [595] Even from the fondness of her own loved youth. Through files of warriors, who uncasque their brows To fill their curious gaze, she hurries on, She knows not what she sees, and only knows, She sees not what she seeks, that cheek, that eye [600] Which fed on her with such excess of love As if 'twere worse than blindness to lose sight Of its sole idol; only she is blithe, She only smiling 'mid those many sad. She meets even all she longs for; up from earth [605] (For now from that sad eminence of scorn Had friendly hand remov'd it, now had cleans'd Its damp defilement) that dear face on her Settled its fixed and inexpressive gaze. Her mien was strangely rational, her look [610] Like one that calmly ponder'd what it saw, Her voice articulate and passionless. "What hath done this?" -- "The Avenger, the unknown," Spake many voices. -- "Oh, my hands are weak; Ye see them soft and delicate and white, [615] But thou, and thou, and thou, art bold and strong, And bear'st bright armour, ye will sure requite The slaughter on the slaughter's head." -- Ensued Brief moments of a stagnant grief, life paus'd, As 'twould prolong unconsciousness, delay [620] Yet, yet that state that wakes with waking sense. Then kindled up her eye, but not with joy, Then flush'd her cheek a light and sanguine red, That is fair marble flitted o'er, but left Nor tinge nor warmth; she snatch'd up to her heart That lifeless thing and fled; as some fond bird [626] With spread wings hovering o'er her nest, looks round At some black shape of fear, then turns to see If yet her callow brood are slumbering safe, So wandering her dim eye on all around, [630] Anon with full intensity of love, Settled on her cold care. She reach'd the tent, There miserly her treasure she o'erbroods; She lays it on her lap, and sings to it, Now gazes as she thought even yet those eyes [635] Might open, those wan lips their wonted sounds Murmur, now almost sees a forming smile: Now gaily carols on her broken songs, Ever his favourite, most familiar tones, And now breaks off, as fearful to disturb [640] His quiet slumbers, only speaks in smiles, Language by him e'er understood, and once, Once her rash lips approach'd: so pass'd the hours From earliest morning till the setting sun. Then that wild spirit and playfulness of grief [645] Sadden'd to drear sobriety, gave place Sweet-dreaming twilight to the bright clear day. Then first she thought of beasts and fowls obscene Battening on his fair limbs, no hand to heap The scanty pity of a little earth [650] Upon the brave, the princely, and the fair: Envious of partner in her sacred toil, Bearing her cold wan burthen in her arms, Alone upon the pious quest she speeds. She fears not, ah too wretched now to fear! [655] Darkness is on her steps, but what to her Though nature's rich varieties are blank? Her guide the unblinded sympathies within; The love that link'd her to his living soul Will light her to him lifeless; yon wan stars, [660] That struggle with the haze, are bright enough To beam upon the dead. But now more fast Their golden cressets multiply, more clear, And lo fierce Offa in her path: his eye Fix'd on her with a rude imperious lust, [665] As the pollution of his bad desires Did honour to their victim. But the maid, Unbelieving, unsuspecting aught impure, With sweet beseeching, almost with caress, Would win her onward passage; when her soul [670] Was startled into fear, she would not think, Such savage nature dwelt in human hearts. She wept, she sued, she drew the veil away, Upheld that lovely lifeless thing -- in vain: The snowy dove is in the rude kite's grasp, [675] Pale, fluttering, fainting; upon Heaven she call'd, Cruelly calm look'd on her the cool skies; She call'd on Abisa, but only felt More deeply that cold glassiness of face, That dull, indifferent witness of her shame; [680] But in the stress and hurry of despair Strange energies were hers, with frantic voice She call'd on the Avenger -- Lo, he comes, Terrible in the silence of his arms, And earth is dank with Offa's lustful blood. [685] But her first motion was a frantic kiss On Abisa's cold lips, as though for him Proud of the untainted treasure of her love; Then turn'd to her preserver, but with looks Of loathing more than thankfulness; he stood [690] In gentle majesty serene, yet proud Of that light victory, of prevented crime Severely joyful; bitter strife of heart Spake in her language -- "Had it been but death, I yet had curs'd thee! oh, look here, look here! [695] (And she withdrew the clust'ring curls that veil'd The rigid deathfulness of that fair brow) Oh, one sole feeling to this dead heart seem'd A duty and delight, the hate of thee. Cruel, even that thou enviest me, even that." -- [700] "That, British maiden! is a Saxon's face, Yet mourns thy amorous heart in guilty tears?" "Is there not beauty in a Saxon's cheek, Is there not music on a Saxon's tongue, Is there not tenderness in Saxon hearts? [705] Oh, he is kind and true, his love to me Almost as deep and fond, as mine to him, Wild that I am, he was, that fatal was Makes agony my sacred thought of him." -- "Maiden, by Wye's transparent stream abode [710] An aged pair, and their declining day One beauteous child enlighten'd, and dispens'd Soft moonlight o'er their darkening eve; they thought The only pang of death from her to part. But heavy was their sinking to the grave, [715] For that fair beam in unchaste darkness quench'd Its virgin lustre, and its light withdrew, Of their old limbs of life: alone they dwelt, In discontent and cold distaste of all, As her ingratitude had made them sick [720] Of the world's hollowness, and if she fail'd All earthly things must needs be false and frail. They ne'er reproach'd her, for so near the grave They could not hate; but for her sake they loath'd Each old familiar face, that once they lov'd. [725] Where she was wont to wander, wander'd they; The garden flowers she tended, they bound up With woeful care; their chill and shaking hands Made tremulous music with her lute, I shrunk In hoary age to see such childish joys. [730] They felt one after pleasure, the same hour They glided from their woes, their parting breath, Blended in languid blessings on her head, For her went suppliant to the throne of God, Their lost Myfanwy." -- Trembling stood she there, [735] Like one that strives to weep, but the hard tears Are frozen in their source. "Oh thou are I, Sweet Abisa (to that cold head she spake), We will go weep upon their graves, and win Their spirits to forgiveness; when they hear [740] How fervent and how fatal were our loves, Heaven will lend airs to waft their mercy down." "Fond Maid, beware! repentance must be chaste And spotless as the unsunn'd snow; wilt thou Yet wanton with the memory of thy sin, [745] Bad thoughts at revel in thy heart, with vows Lightly made up of guilty breath impure, Pollute and sicken the clear air that dwells About the holy dwellings of the dead; Waver from God to Pagan paramour [750] With wandering loose affections." "Hard and cold," Be thou content to have robb'd this widow'd heart Of that most lovely breathing thing earth bore, But spare, oh spare, the sinless, senseless dead! Cruel, by yon bright stars I oft have sworn [755] Ne'er to forego him; shall I crown my sins With perjury? I will weep, and fast, and pray, And wear the rough stones with my tender knees, So thou wilt leave me my sad thoughts of him. Oh, God hath grace for all; my earliest prayer [760] Shall be for mercy on his perish'd soul, The next for those who dying pray'd for me, And for my sad and sinful self the last."
Most exquisite sorcery of womankind! Even to the fall'n some cherish'd loveliness [765] Yet clings, with innocent hypocrisy Tricking their failures in such tender hues, We blame with tears, enamour'd while we blame. Even thus her fervent constancy of love Brighten'd that guilty maiden. -- "God will weigh [770] With righteous hand thy sorrows and thy sins, Damsel, I nor absolve thee, nor condemn. Come thou with me, and we will reunite That beauteous boy's remains; oh thou, even thou, Knewst thou the studious cruelties, cold crimes [775] By these barbarians wrought on this sad land, Wouldst pardon this dishonour to the corpse Of that brave youth." -- She leap'd up to his neck, "And who are thou, that doest such savage deeds, Yet forcest us to love thee?" -- On they past, [780] They reach'd the place of death, he dug away The earth that fenc'd from wandering kite and wolf Young Abisa's fair limbs; he sooth'd her woes By soft participation, her consol'd By suffering, and the Christian's voice rose up [785] In prayers for mercy on a Saxon's soul.
BOOK VII.
How measureless to erring human sight Is glory! Glorious thy majestic state, Hengist! with captive cities for thy thrones, And captive nations thy pale satellites, Britain, with all her beauty, power, and wealth, [5] Thy palace of dominion. Glorious thou, Caswallon, in Caer Ebranc's stately courts, By the slow waters of the wandering Ouse, Bright-sceptred Renegade! Even in your crimes Glitters a dazzling and meteorous pomp, [10] Though your wild voyage hath lain through waves of blood. Ye ride triumphant in your royal port; But he, sad Pilgrim, outcast and forlorn How doth the midnight of his honour shame Your broad meridian, his wild freedom pass [15] Your plenitude of sway, his nakedness Transcend your sweeping purples, rayed with gold! Nor wanteth to his state its gorgeous pride, And high peculiar majesty; the pomp Of the conspiring elements sheds on him [20] Tumultuous grandeurs; o'er his midnight couch, Amid the scath'd oaks of the mountain moor, On its broad wings of gloom the tempest stoops. Around his head in crystal coronets The lightning falls, as though thy fiery hand, [25] Almighty! through the rolling clouds put forth, Did honour to the Freeman. Mighty winds And the careering thunders spread around Turbulent music; darkness rivals day, And day with darkness vies in stateliest pride [30] The Avenger's lofty miseries to array. When from the East forth leaps the warrior Sun In panoply of golden light, dark cowers His own proud eagle, marvelling what strong form, Uprising to usurp his haughty right, [35] Drinks in the intense magnificence with brow Undazzled and unshrinking; nor to him Fails homage from the living shapes of earth: On him the savage, fierce and monstrous, fawn Tame adoration; from his rugged sleep [40] The wild boar, sleek his bristling wrath, aloof Shrinks, the grim wolf no more his rest disturbs, Than the calm motion of the moon she bays.
Now, by her native sylvan Wye, that Maid, Left to cold penitence and prayer, again [45] Sets forth the high Avenger: now his path Through Towey's vale winds velvet soft and green. The year is in its waning autumn glow, But the warm Sun, with all his summer love, Hangs o'er this gentle valley, loath to part [50] From the blue stream that to his amorous beams Now her cool bosom spreads, now coyer slides Under her alder shade, whose umbrage green, Glancing and breaking the fantastic rays, The deep dark mirror frets with mazy light. [55] A day that seems in its rich noon to blend All seasons choice deliciousness, high hung On Dinevaur and Carreg Cennon rude, And on bold Drusslyn gleam'd the woods their hues, Changeful and brilliant, as their leaves had drank [60] The sun's empyreal fountains; not more bright The groves of those Atlantic Isles, where rove (Dream'd elder Poesy such fancies sweet) The spirits of the brave, stern Peleus' son, And Diomede, through bowers that the blue air [65] Arch'd with immortal spring of fragrant gold. The merry birds, as though they had o'erdream'd The churlish winter, spring-tide virelays Carolling, pruned their all-forgotten plumes. Upon the sunny shallow lay the trout [70] Kindling the soft gems of its skin; the snake As fresh and wanton in its green attire Wound its gay rings along the flowery sward.
That overpowering beauty in mild bonds Of sweet amazement and infatuate bliss, [75] Took prisoner Samor's spirit. On a rock, 'Neath a white canopy of glistening birch, He lay surrender'd. The thin whispering leaves, The welling waters flow, the lingering, long, Love-dwelling descant of the joyous birds [80] Came mingling with the languor of his sense, Most soothing each in turn, most slumb'ring soft.
'Tis no harsh breaking in that train of sound Delicious, but a low and measur'd dash That blends and deepens all the mingling tones; [85] 'Tis nought to cloud of dim that slow intrudes On the universal brilliance, crowning all Moves the gay apparition, and fires up The restless glittering of intenser blaze.
Slow up the tide the gaudy bark comes on, [90] Her oars scarce startling the unruffled air; The waters to her swan-like prow give place, Along the oar-blades leap up to the sun In lucid flakes, and dance, as 'twere their sport To waft that beauteous freight. And exquisite [95] As that voluptuous Memphian on the stream Of Cydnus, leading with bliss-breathing smiles Her throngs of rash beholders, glided down To welcome to his soft imprisonment The Lord of half the world, so wond'rous fair [100] Under an awning cool of fluttering silk The Lady of that graceful galley sate. But not in her instinct the melting form With passion, the smooth limbs in dazzling glow Translucent through the thin lascivious veil, [105] Skilful with careless blandishments to fire The loose imaginations, she herein Least like the Oriental harlot Queen. Of all her shape, of all her soul was pride The sustenance, the luxury, the life. [110] The innate scorn of her full eye repaid With lofty thanklessness the homage fawn'd By her fair handmaids, and her oarmen gay, Who seem'd to wanton in their servile toil. Around she gaz'd, as in her haughtiness [115] She thought that God had form'd this living pomp Of woodland, stream, and rock, her height of soul To pamper, that to welcome her to earth Attired its breathing brightness, and the sun Only on her look'd from his azure sphere. [120]
Knows Samor that bright Lady? Who knows not Amid her twinkling retinue of stars The queenly summer moon? Ye too he knows, The minion rowers of her royal state, Entitled once by courteous falsehoods bland [125] Nobles of Britain, from the general wreck Most despicably saved by Saxon scorn, Meet vassalage for Vortigern, now shrunk And dwindled from proud Britain's sov'reign lord To petty Prince of Dyfed. Ye yet cling [NOTE 12] Even to the hollow semblance of a crown. Ye gauzy summer motes, that float and bask In the warm noontide of a court, light things Of noise and glittering, that to royal ears Tinkle your poisonous flatteries, then most proud [135] When most obtrusive your gay nothingness.
Under a rock where Samor lay unseen Beneath the sparkling birchen shade, the bark Glided so near, the silver-twinkling leaves Play'd like a wavering veil o'er the bright face [140] And marble neck of that reclining Queen.
Now, Samor, now 'tis at thy thirsty lips The cup of vengeance, now quaff deep, quaff deep! Now, by the bones that bleach on Ambri plain, By thy lost Emeric's silent chamber bowers, [145] By that soft cheek o'er which the primrose blooms, Now launch the unerring javelin! lo she tempts, The Saxon's daughter, and the false King's bride, The tame and baffled lingering of revenge.
And up the Avenger stood, a ray of light [150] Quiver'd the brandish'd javelin, creeping awe Froze up the rowers hearts, down fell the oars, And to the shore round swung the ungovern'd bark.
But 'mid those feminine and timorous men Intrepid that soft lady her fair front Advanc'd, and, "Who art thou, whose impious arm 'Gainst royalty's anointed head dare sway Irreverent menace?" -- "One whom grinding wrong, And injuries savage, black, and manifold Have almost madden'd to the deep base shame [160] Of soiling his bright arms with woman's blood." (He cast the javelin from him, and went on) "But tell thy sire, Rowena, tell thy lord, Britons have yet to learn their codes of war, That yet fastidious vengeance will not slake [165] But on a worthy victim its deep thirst."
Then was the mingling of their looks elate, As when two falcons, far from this low earth, Meet in the sun's broad blaze, they glad and proud Each of their kindred, flap their radiant wings. [170]
"I know thee now, majestic Rebel! thee The untraceable, untameable! I know The chosen Man of Fate! of all our race The designated danger; merciful Saxon ne'er coupled with thy name till now. [175] Yet think not thou from rivalry aloof In proud and lonely excellence to stand, For with requital royal and profuse I will outsoar thee; this white woman's hand Shall cast thee Hengist's pardon for thy deeds [180] Of guilty fame; this smooth and purple cheek Smile thee fair honours in Caer Merdhyn's court."
"Pardon, and honour, Lady! one alone Jealous prerogative of pardon holds O'er Samor's soul, the universal God! [185] Caer Merdhyn's honours! to fall'n Vortigern To be install'd prime flatterer, meekly laud The bounteous-hearted monarch, who cast off His throne, his people, and his fame, and thought For bride so fair the dowry all too poor." [190]
No wrath, but brighter joy the Lady's cheek Emblazon'd: "Why should slight and tinsel ties Of blood and birthplace hold asunder hearts Kindred in grandeur? thou art brave and free, And brave and free is Hengist; why disdains [195] Valour to mate with valour, might with might?" "Valour beneath the sun goes proudly forth; And in the cloudy battle's van affronts His hauberk'd foe, but folds not secret steel Under the mild and festal robe of peace, [200] Nor creeps with midnight stealth on the weak sleep Of women and soft infants." -- Then appear'd Tears in her haughty eyes, tears beautiful, For drops of shame they were for those black crimes That fleck'd and dimm'd her father's blaze of fame. [205] Still paus'd not the Avenger. -- "Did my God, Did Britain claim the offering, I dare hope Yet I could rend from his worn heart away Its pleasant lust of vengeance; private wrongs Are but thin drops in my full tide of hate; [210] But all my country's injuries, all my God's Concentrate in the mighty passion flood, My life, my soul, my being; we must be, I and thy father, through all space of time, Even to the end, Destroyer or Destroy'd." -- [215]
"Harsh and implacable! yet be not thou Discourteous: wilt thou to Caer Merdhyn come, An honour'd guest, in freedom to depart When, where thou wilt, thy pledge my royal faith?"
"A Saxon's faith!" burst bitter from his lips, [220] He check'd the upbraiding tone. "If fraud and sin In such a lovely temple hold their shrine, It were not strange did fiends of darkness dwell Within yon beauteous sun!" But she with smile Mild as May morning on a violet bank, "Why stayst thou? can the Unconquerable fear --?" "Fear, Lady! fear and I are strangers now." -- "What wondrous spell," pursued her playful mirth, "So steels thee?" -- "One most simple and most strong, A calm proud conscience, and a faith in God." [230]
Then sate he by the Lady's side; set forth Upon its dancing voyage down the tide The bark obeisant to its dashing oars. But those gay rowers veering with the wind Of soft court favour, 'gan with subtle joy [235] And cold factitious transport hail again Their gentle peer, their old and honour'd friend. But with a glance the imperial Lady froze To silence their smooth-lying lips, nor brook'd Idle instrusion on her rapturous feast. [240] Deep drank she in the majesty and pomp, Wherewith instinct the Avenger mov'd and spake, And what high beauty from heroic soul Emanates on the outward shape, nor pall'd On her insatiate appetite the joy; Till that commercing deep of stately thoughts, Proud admiration, and intense delight In what is heart-subliming, towering, grand, Regenerate from the trance that bath'd her sense, Sprang up a fiery passion, o'er her flow'd [250] Secret the intoxicating extacy, Love, dangerous, deep, intolerable love.
What beauteous seeming and magnificent, Weareth that brilliant sin! now not o'er her Came it in melting languor, soft and bland, [255] But like her own high nature, eminent, Disdainful, and elate, allied to all That beautified, that glorified, and seem'd Mysterious union of upsoaring spirits, Wedding of lofty thoughts with lofty thoughts, [260] And the fine joy of being to this earth A thing of wonder: and as floats the air Clear, white, and stainless in the highest heavens, Seem'd from its exaltation fresh and pure, Above all taint her amorous madness rose. [265] Had it seem'd love, her very pride had quell'd The umplum'd phantasy, her inbred scorn Warr'd on the young infirmity, but now Upon her soul's bold crest it planted high Its banner of dominion, and she hail'd [270] Its coming as a guest of pomp and power.
But, though o'er all her features mantling spread A vivid restlessness, a lustrous glow, A deepening purple, though her eye indulg'd Richer delirium, though her languid breath [275] Came with a throb and struggle from her heart, Yet in that noble kindness that disdains With greedy and suspicious gaze to seach The sin that may be, rather chastening all With his own native purity, serene [280] The Warrior sate. The placid gliding bark, With motion like to stillness, flowing on, Where with green diadem of woods above, Beneath the white breadth of the expanding stream, Caer Merdhyn in the liquid noontide rose. [285]
Fair rose Caer Merdhyn, rose her towery height The air enriching, nor mis-seem'd a King Such stately dwelling; populous her streets, And throng'd with human faces, but o'er all A lassitude and heavy sadness hung, [290] Blankness of looks and weariness of hearts, And listlessness of motion faltering on. With all the pomps, the luxuries of life, It seem'd a city of the dead. The shapes, The steps of men were there, but soul and spirit, [295] And stirring energy, and vivid mind, Passion and earnestness in torpor slept, The cold blood stagnate in the drowsy veins: Alike all feelings lazy languor seal'd. To still them, not delight, the mothers held [300] Their infants, as the radiant Queen past on; But even in them the laughing spring of joy Was dead, and dry, and frozen. -- "Oh, high God! (So spake the Wanderer in his secret soul) Hath tyranny such bleak and withering power [305] Man's heavenly essence to embrute, and thou, Once princely Vortigern, the tyrant thou!" --
Worse sight! worse shame! they reach the broad hill's brow, Where in its royalty the palace look'd Awe on its vassal city; there, even there, [310] On that high threshold, armed Saxon files From the weak people fenc'd the weaker King. But through that legion hateful and accurst Onward the Avenger that bright Lady's hand Led, as the Sybil sage the Love-queen's son [315] Calm through the doleful regions of the dead.
Within the hall with royal banners hung, And shields of royal blazon, royal arms, Least royal he, sate Vortigern; deep thought And miserable on his faded brow [320] Traced its bleak lines, before him glittering lay The crown of Britain, which his eye perused With a sick sadness, as each gem were full Of woeful ruminations, blank remorse; And as bad Angels loathe, yet upward watch, [325] Heaven's Sun, bright type of their once radiant state, Even so in bitterness that fallen King, Painfully banquetting on self-reproach, A drear remembrance of lost grandeurs drew From that fair ring, and curs'd its blaze that flash'd [330] Past splendours o'er the darkness of his soul, And memory from what height to what depth sunk, He welters in the abyss of shame profound. Beside him o'er his harp Aneurin bow'd, The white-hair'd Bard, sole faithful he, sole friend; [335] For minds of poets from their own high sphere Look down on earth's distinctions, high and low, Sunken or soaring, as the equal sun Sheds light along the vale and mountain's brow. He in the hall of feasting who fast seal'd [340] The treasures of his harmony, now pours Into the wounded heart his syrups sweet, And laps it in the silken folds of sound. But even along his strings the infectious grief Hath crept, and wither'd up their wantonness. [345] And wayward wanderings of despair belate His fickle tones: anon bursts full and free A start, a swell of pride, then sinks away Involuntary to such doleful fall, Misery so musical, its languid breath [350] Feeds, while it softens the deep-rooted woe. Such melodies at tragic midnight heard 'Mid a deserted city, gliding o'er The deep green moss of tower and fane o'erthrown, Had seem'd immortal sorrows in the air, [355] O'er man's inconstant grandeurs. Sad such wreck, More sad, more worthy Angels woe the waste And desolation of a noble mind, High fertile faculties run wild and rank, Bright fiery qualities in darkness slaked. [360] That liquid intercourse of grief broke off, Thus spake the King -- "Who thus unbidden bursts On kingly solitude? why ask I thee? No brow between the Scot and Southern sea Beareth such gallant insolence abroad, [365] But Samor, the wild Wanderer, the denounc'd, The desperate! Art thou here to stun mine ears With "Vortigern is abject, lost, disgrac'd?" 'Tis well that with thee comes by bright excuse, My poverty's rich treasure, my night's star, [370] Beauteous Rowena." -- Joy seem'd his, but yet Was effort and was struggle in that joy, The clinging of a desperate soul to what It would delight in, but did not delight, The striving of a barren heart to force [375] The perish'd bloom of pleasure, -- "King, I come To put a spell upon thee, conjure up Thy valour from its tomb within thy breast, To rend the adamant that trammels fast Thy strength of soul. By yon bright glaive that smote By Esk's wild bank, beneath his father's shield, [381] The royal Caledonian's son; yon flag, That, when by fated Arles rash Britain lost Her wild bright hazard for imperial state, Clouding the car of adverse victory shook [385] Untarnish'd in the sun its blazon broad, Nor stoop'd, though all was fallen; by yon rich crown, Whereon when flow'd the holy oil, this isle From all her seas her gratulant acclaim Sent up, and overcast heaven's vault with joy; [390] By Vortigern, the great, the brave, the wise! -- "Brave! wise! aye, that it is. The veriest wretch That from the base birth-place to his baser grave, Creeps with his fellow reptiles, that ne'er knew What luxury 'tis, what loftiness to soar, [395] And with one soul to wield a host of souls In free subjection, oh that fireless dust, Clay uninform'd, that only lives to die, That is to me a God: to me whose curse, And brand, and mock it is to have been great -- [400] And be -- oh! Samor, Samor, I was King, King of this spacious, rich, and glorious isle, And thou, and such as thou, my regal state Didst vassal; now, but now an eye may trace The circuit of my realm, a shepherd's boy [405] Count my thin people, like his mountain flock."
"Oh, Monarch, ill must be atoned by good, And to repentant deeds of mightiest fame Heaven can upraise the farthest sunken. Power Fails not the aspirant will. I knew thee once [410] A being of those arduous energies, Strong aspirations, graspings undefin'd, Tumultuous thirsts and passions, that of man Make Fiend or Angel." -- "True, too true, but thou Hast seiz'd the Seraph's air-plum'd wings, and I [415] The Demon's vans of darkness. Had all fallen, All perish'd, one wide ignominy swept Princes and Lords and People, I had found A forlorn comfort in the general wreck; But in its curst sublimity thy fame [420] Obtrudes its radiant presence, and makes groan This ruin of a Monarch." -- "Rare it is, Oh King, in Fame's rich galaxy to shine With stedfast blaze unwithering, but to dawn From darkness, scatter off the black eclipse [425] That veils the wither'd lustre, this most rare, Maketh man's soul an everlasting fire Worthy the God that hung the Heavens with light; 'Tis hard for downcast spirit to o'erleap Ruin's sad barriers, but Heaven's angels drop [430] Soft dews beneath his burning feet, his flight Imp with strong plumes; his coming doth adorn The earth he moves on; till Remorse abash'd Before the orient glories fades and flies." --
"Peace! peace! thou canst not see what cold within Lies like a palsy on the flagging powers, [436] Makes me a thin and shrinking reed, the sport Of every lazy wind, the shape, the life, The woe, without the faculties of man, Shame, shame. -- Oh, turn thy lofty brow away, [440] Heavy it hangs o'er me like loosen'd crag Over the mountain traveller -- I endure, Of all this nation, the curse-wrinkled lips, Out-pointed fingers, ribald jests, coarse scorns. Men that have lick'd the dust beneath my feet, [445] Worn their tame faces by the mould of mine, Them, to confront even them." -- Unkingly tears Chok'd the full utterance, met his eye the glance Of that proud Queen, who, all unmark'd, drank in That passionate discourse, from her contempt, [450] Though far below his own, he shrunk, and wrought To a brief pride his wan dejected mien. "Here is my throne, my kingdom is this breast, My diadem the wealth of light that shines From yon fair brow upon me." -- Stronger pain [455] Burst in upon the infant pride; forth fled The Monarch, happy could he fly himself. Him follow'd that old Bard. "'Tis vain, all vain, (Thus spake the high Avenger.) "Beauteous Queen, I claim thy faith, and part." -- "So swift, so soon, [460] Our festal cheer untasted, welcome cup Uncrown'd?" -- "Fair Queen, in the pellucid stream My beverage dances; the coarse mountain boor Shares his hard fare with me; the hand that feasts The winged wanderers of the air, feasts me." -- [465]
With lips in act of speech apart, the Queen, As to her will her tongue didainful scorn'd Allegiance, chain'd in silence stood again. Twice she essay's to speak, twice o'er her shame Swept his petrific hand, and rosy fire [470] O'er face and neck and forehead flush'd, till shrunk From that strong heat the eye, and down on earth Settled its close-fring'd orb; with pressure soft Her blushing fingers his bronz'd hand embrac'd.
"Here in this palace is my rule, this land [475] Is mine by my prevailing power, would'st thou Of this high seat, this realm be Lord? -- Why starts Unwonted colour to thy cheek? why shrinks Into its sphere thine eye? Said I this soul And what soft beauty glitters in this shape, [480] Had it appall'd thee? -- Eagerly she grasp'd The hand she held, as though from thence to wring A swift reply, yet gaz'd upon the earth, As wistful 'neath its darkness she might shrink From her own shame. Blank wonder Samor's brow [485] To living stone congeal'd -- "This then the close To all thy lavish love of Vortigern!"
"My love! he was a King, upon his brow The beauty of a royal crown, his height Dominion, like a precious mantle, dipt [490] In heaven's pure light array'd, and o'er him flung Transcendant grandeur; above all he stood, And I by such fond splendours wooed and won, Took seat upon his eminence; a plant To spread, and mantle an imperial throne, [495] Not like tame ivy round a ruin creep, Or wreathe the tomb of royalty. His pride I wedded, not his shame; bats may not build With the light-loving lark. He, he himself By self-abasement has divorc'd me, set [500] Distance between us wide and far as heaven From the black pit of infamy." -- "High Queen, What seest thou in this bleak and batter'd brow, These rough scath'd limbs, this wan and sunken face, With misery's rugged furrows deeply plough'd, [505] To dazzle or delight? Lone outcast I, Friendless, but daily, nightly by fierce foes Beset and hunted like a loathsome brute; Thy nation's mothers vent all hate on me, Link with a scathing curse no name but mine. [510] Oh, what would'st thou and softness with a life Like mine so dreary, desperate, dark, and fierce?
"Oh, 'tis because all hate thee, that I love, Because all dread thee, I would mate with thee, Thy miseries, thy dangers deeper drown [515] My soul with passion, that thou walk'st alone, Smote at by every arm, yet struck by none, That mastery of thy single soul holds down The Saxons mounting empire, clips its wings Rapacious and wide-shadowing, that thy fame [520] Like a rich rainbow cloud, sails on through air, To mortal grasp impalpable, to sight In lonely brilliance manifest; my soul To that thy airy chariot would aspire, And dazzle by thy side, and daunt the world." -- [525]
"Loose and unrighteous to thy lawful Lord, Yet would'st thou poison with adulterous shame Its spotless lustre, its pure white defile, And clog with guilt its vaunted wheels." -- Guilt! Guilt! Ah, now I know why mine eye shrunk from thine, [530] Why sought the base earth, why brook'd not my tongue The motions of my will -- but we -- shrink we? The lofty are their own high law; dull codes, Cold customs, trammel but the base; our sins Shall be the wanderings of the meteor fire, [535] More wonder'd than the regular calm stars: Our acting shall ennoble, what tame tongues Falter at even in word, opinions hues Shall at our haughty bidding shift and change, And what we do, shall therefore be call'd great. [540] Yes, yes, I feel thy shrinking hand, I see White-lipp'd abhorrence quivering in thy mien As at some loathsome viper. Woe, oh woe To him that tramples on the viper's wrath." -- Then shook she back her golden hair, away [545] Cast his cold hand. -- "Ho, Saxons at the gate, Ho, Saxons, to your injured Queen!" The hall Sudden was walled with fiery arms and spears Bickering fierce menace; numerous, swift, and strong, As when old Cadmus by clear Dirce spread [550] That dangerous seed uncouth, long, wide, and bright Under the fatal ploughshare leap'd to life, To havock the wild harvest, and shook up Its bearded grim fertility of death.
But then his sword the Avenger grasp'd, and cried, "Twice have I trusted Saxon faith, and twice [556] Beneath my feet the smooth fair ice hath burst Its glassy treachery: once this arm redeem'd The infatuate blindness. Saxons, I am he Who with his single strength on Ambri plain [560] Scared your hot massacre, your proudest necks Strew'd for his pavement of retreat, ye see Mine arm unwither'd; yet unbroken sword."
But they sprung onward; that bright Lady's brow Awful delight absorb'd the while, she moved [565] Before their wrath, her arm's high sway wav'd back Their fury from her presence. Swift they came, Swift they departed; silence down the walls Crept o'er the banners broad, and pendant shields.
She look'd on Samor, all his pride was hers, [570] She look'd on Samor, all that pride was quench'd In exquisite mild transport; at his feet The Queen, the haughty, the disdainful fell. Her fine fair hair lay floating on the earth; Her round arms clung beseeching to his knees. [575]
"A curse upon me, that my wilful heart 'Gainst head so brave, so noble, dream'd of wrath, Of danger and rude menace. What I did, I know not, what I said, it pleased not thee, Enough, 'twas base, 'twas criminal, 'twas false. [580] Oh Chief! when we would compass wild desires, Words alien to the heart start up, yet seem, Most strong persuasion; of all serpents, scorn Stings to worse frenzy, worst a woman's soul. Forget, all, all forget, but one soft word, [585] And that I charge thee, by thy rescued life, Forget not." -- "Lady, were I rich in love, As yon full Sun in light, I could not spare A beam upon a Saxon. Now, but now The fountains of my heart are dry, the stock [590] Where fresh and rich my green affections bloom'd, Is wither'd to the root; hard, doleful, dead, My breast's impassive iron scatters off All melting blandishments, all soft delights, As the wav'd banner the thin morning dews. [595] With one harsh discord to consummate all; Thou art thy Father's daughter." -- She arose In miserable calmness resolute. She took his hand, she led him forth, beneath The murky scowling of those Saxons stern, [600] Whose angry wonder scarce herself controll'd: Gave one fond lingering pressure, and but one, Then watch'd him through the city, up the vale, If gazing with such emptiness of eye Were watching, which his distance seem'd to freeze [605] Gradual to hollower wanness; down her arms Hung, only that she stood and faintly breath'd, Pulse, motion, sense, life, all seem'd fled with him.
Sudden above her, the mild air 'gan waft Wild fiery sounds, like those of battle morn, [610] Which champing war-steed's neigh, and lance's rush, Impatient answers. On the palace top Aneurin in his bardic glory stood; The sunlight on his old prophetic brow Flash'd strong, yet dazzled not, his long white locks [615] Stream'd back upon his azure robe, like rack O'er heaven's unclouded blue, his pale thin hand With strength of mounting phrenzy launch'd abroad The war-song of Cassivelan: glad sounds To that tranc'd queen, for Samor's hastier port [620] Deliberate grandeur slacken'd, he look'd back, Proud gratitude for that wild flattery. -- "All, All in one wide conspiracy, (so spake Rowena's bitter joy) thee, only thee To glorify. Oh, were man mute, this earth [625] Would leap to utterance of thy fame, the winds Find voices eloquent, the streams, the stones, To lofty music burst of thy renown."
Slowly retired the Queen; she call'd around Her slaves, her handmaids; arrogant their looks [630] Seem'd to confront her, eyes aye wont to shrink Before her gaze, now seem'd to pry and pierce Her deepest soul's recesses; and she blush'd Even in her plenitude of scorn. They stood Trembling before her wayward mood, yet seem'd [635] Mockeries their tremors; solitude she sought, Yet solitude found none, things senseless took Stern cognizance of all her acts, her thoughts: Eyes hung the empty walls, weak laughing sounds Of triumph o'er her shame, pervaded wide [640] The tranquil air, all with herself at league Shook scorns upon herself. Dim evening falls, O'er earth and sky, slow flits the shadowy night. "Slaves there!" she cried, "my steed! alone I ride." She wont to find her every look a law, [645] Now almost wonders all so swift obey.
The moon's white sickle tenderly array'd With dubious lustre the gray heavens; scarce tinged The dew-webs, whiten'd not the yellow crown Of the unwaving forest; ignorant, [650] Or with feign'd ignorance 'guiling even herself, Long upon Samor's track the Lady rides.
'Tis not a stag that couches on the heath; Hope on her dim cheek brightens, from her steed Soft she dismounts, she ruffles not the fern, [655] The moss springs printless up beneath her feet, So light her gliding to that slumbering man. She knows him, she starts back. -- "Oh, came I here, Lost and abas'd, him, only him to seek, That answers mine immodest heart with flight, [660] With scorn, perchance with hate! yet wonderous he, Wonderous in rest as action! Sleep'st thou calm, While numberless as these brown heath-spikes rise Legions of spears around thee, for thy blood Leagued in one furious thirst? Unwise and rash! [665] To night thou slumber'st not unguarded, sleep; And if Rowena mingle with thy dreams, Sleep calmly, breathingly as now! He wakes -- Oh, hateful even in slumber that harsh name Grates on his sense." -- His eyes unfold, nor start, [670] So soft the vision; wonder's self is calm, And quaffs it in with mild unshrinking gaze. Her long bright hair, like threads of silver streak The moonlight, her fair forehead's marble arch Wild joyous fearfulness, extatic doubt, [675] Bathe with the dewyness of melting snow, Ere yet unblanch'd its stainless glitter pure. Oh, soft and slow that melody of mien Steals o'er the slumberer, ere the reason woke, The sense was drunken, one hand folded her's [680] That answer'd not its pressure, nor withdrew, Tremulous, yet motionless: his rising head Found on her other arm such pillowing soft, As the fond ringdove on its mate's smooth down. They spake not, moved not. 'Tis the noon of night, [685] Hour known to Samor not by sign or sound Of man's wise art to mark the fleeting time, Nor changing of the starry heavens; but e'er By motion of the secret soul, by calm Habitual sliding into the sooth'd heart, [690] Distinct from turbulent day and weary eve, Emeric's own hour, her consecrated spot In his life's wilderness. She comes, she comes, The clouds have dropt her from their silvery folds; The mild air wafts her, the rank earth impure [695] Stainless she skims, distrust, doubt, fear, no place Find in the sinless candour of her mien. In languid soft security she melts On Samor's fever'd soul, she fills his sense, Her softness like the nightingale's first notes [700] After rude evening, o'er his passion steals: He cast not off Rowena's hand, it fell As from a dead man's grasp; slow rose his head From its fair zone, as from a bank of snow The winter traveller, by its smoothness guil'd [705] Almost to deathful sleep; he dares not now Welcome that heavenly visitant, nor could, Nor would he her mild rescue bid depart. Nor dares he now with chill abhorrence shrink From that empassion'd Lady; on his lips [710] Clung wretched, pale, beseechingness, that framed Nor word nor sound. But time for thought in her Gave time for shame, for struggling pride gave time. "Thou deem'st me loose, wild, wanton, deem'st me come To lure thee with light sweets of lawless love, [715] Hunting mine own shame through the midnight woods. Oh false, all false. -- How thee shall I persuade, Aye me! that scarce persuade myself, 'twas chance, 'Twas fate, 'twas ministration of bad spirits, That led me thoughtless, hopeless -- did I say [720] Hopeless? yet scorn not thou, the lightest won Are oft best won. Oh why, ere now so mild, So gentle, why so stern, so ghastly still?" "Thou love'st my pride, my honour, my renown. Now, Queen Rowena, may'st thou do a deed [725] Shall make my pride thine own, make thee my fount Of honour, all my noontide of renown On thee in all its golden brilliance shine; And if henceforth man's voice cry out, High deeds Hath Samor's arm achiev'd, thy heart shall bound [730] And thy lips answer, 'Mine! all mine!' and I Will bless thee, thank thee, praise thee for that truth."
O'er proud Rowena past his solemn voice Tremendously delightful, as the sound Of thunder over Jove's bold-minist'ring bird, [735] That sternly rocks on th'agitated air. "Speak, speak, 'tis hours, 'tis years until 'tis done." Return'd one brief, one powerful word -- "Depart." She struggled yet to wear the lofty light That flush'd her brow, she struggled, and she fell [740] Her white arms round his neck. Light as the breeze Pass'd over his her cheek. Then back She started, seiz'd her courser's rein; far, far The rocks gave answer to its trampling hoofs.
To solitude, to peace, ah, not to peace! [745] Was Samor left; large dewy beads distil From his full brow, as from the forest leaves The sunny icicle: fierce, merciless, Relentless inquest o'er himself he holds, In him a sin in thought is sin in deed. [750]
"And I, that on the frantic waxen wings Of mine own arrogance, have deem'd my soul Kindred and heritor of that rich bliss That bathes the Angels radiant wings in strength, That wander'd o'er this sublunary wild [755] As with a charter'd scorn, that mix'd with men But in disdainful mastery to o'er-rule Their dim and wavering destinies, that took With noble violence admiring earth, O'er me hath passion wound her silken nets; [760] And that soft Dalila, lascivious sin, Shorn my full honours. Now, who clothed my steps With darkness, dread, and danger, hung my arms With light'ning, kept at bay the envious death That feasts upon the famous of mankind; [765] God, God abandons me. So farewell pride, And with pride farewell strength, the burning hope, Glad agonies, brave bliss of holy war, Transports of trampling on my country's foes, And all the beauty, majesty, renown, [770] Vengeance, of thy triumphal state. Ye too, Farewell, soft midnights, delicate regards Fix'd on me from fond eyes yet bright from heaven, Mild agitations of the purer sense, Fresh bloomings of my faded joys, ye dreams [775] Lovelier than actual bliss, as heaven than earth, Emeric abandons me. For how can snow Drop on this foul earth stainless? how canst thou Visit unsullied thy sad shrine defil'd, Or beam upon this lust-benighted heart? [780] Oh never felt before, the fear to front Mine own past life, the ignoble shame that burns At human sight, and memory that ne'er sleeps; Heart-sickening at its own deformities, A miserable welcome bid I ye, [785] Come, dismal comforters, faint-footed guides, Teach me the hate of life, the dread of death."
And Samor wander'd on, not now with scope Resolv'd, and steady purpose that absorb'd And fix'd on one stern centre all his soul, [790] True as the arrow to its mark. Now where, Whither, is all indifferent, he pursues The wildering of the forest track, the brook Winding its lucid error: two sad days And chance hath led him back to Wye's green bank. [795]
Sudden before him swept in gallant pack, Fleet hounds, whose keen scent quaff'd the morning dews. Sole on their track a noble huntsman bow'd O'er his steed's high-curv'd neck. But when he saw Samor, that scarce his coming mark'd or heard, [800] He vaulted from his uncheck'd steed so fleet, The courser seem'd to feel it not, but on Went stately bounding down the glen. But he Unslung his bugle horn, his hunting spear Cast to the winds, and held his burnish'd sword [805] To heaven, as though to paragon its light.
"Oh, thunderer Thor, but one bold prayer of mine E'er scaled thy heavens, and that, munificent, I thank thee for thy granting. Samor now, Now Christian, now baptiz'd in German blood, [810] Avenger, we are met, and ere we part, Earth must be ruddier with some blood of ours."
"Noble Argantyr, deem not thou unknown Thy name, thy presence, nor forgot, how thou, When Murther quaff'd his glut on Ambri plan, [815] Didst hold thy jealous steel aloft, lest stain From gore by treason shed, should dim its gleam; And when I burst my iron toils, and won My dangerous safety, how indignant joy Stood bathing thy stern brow. Brave Anglian, thou, [820] But thou, of German race, to faint sloth chill'st My sword's quick wrath." -- "What, Samor out of love With strife, with music of conflicting steel? Hath Abisa's pale blood so quench'd his fire? Were't not I now could force my glorious will, [825] Yea, I could sue thee, Briton, for the joy. Thou wilt not credit, air hath been defil'd With creeping whispers cold, that I, I shrunk To second in his dangers that brave boy, As though Argantyr would partake a foe, [830] And with division spiritless and base, Mete out his province in one man to slay, Hear; 'Well the famous Anglian won his half Of that great conquest!' But I have thee now Whole, undivided, now, or man, or more, [835] If aught be mortal in thee, guard that spot, My steel will search it," -- "Samor is not now As Samor was, but knows not yet to scorn Such brave allurements." Forth his anlace flash'd, But not as wont, uplooks he to the sky; [840] He thinks not now, on, if I fall, float near, My Emeric, that no Angel's voice but thine Welcome thy Samor to his opening heaven: And if I vanquish, Britain and the Lord Take to your hecatomb one Saxon more. [845]
But on Argantyr sprung, as wanton boy To the cool health of summer streamlet pure: Around, above, beneath his winged sword Leaps in its fiery joy, red, fierce and far As from a midnight furnace start the sparks. [850] As brazen statue on proud palace top, Shakes off the pelting tempest, so endur'd Samor, but not in patient hope austere Of victory; but habitual skill and power Protracting long the cold indifferent strife; [855] Till twice that sword that in its downward sweep Flash'd the white sunlight, cloudy rose and dim With ominous purple: then his nature burst Its languid bonds, not front alone to front; But soul to soul the riot of the fight [860] They mingle, like to giddy chariot wheels The whirling of their swords, as fierce the din Of buckler brast, helm riven, and breastplate cloven, As when the polar wind the ice field rends. Such nobleness sublime of hideous fight [865] From Ilion's towers her floating mantled dames Saw not, nor Thebes, when Capaneus call'd down Jove's thunder, and disdain'd its fall, nor pride Of later Bards, when mad Orlando met On that frail bridge the giant Sarzan king, [870] And with him in the boiling flood dash'd down, Till that fond eagerness, that brave delight O'erpower'd frail nature, breathless each, and each Careless, yet conscious of deep trenching wounds, For admiration paus'd, for hope, for power [875] To satiate the unwearying strong desire.
Lo, the far hills Argantyr first descried Radiant with spearmen, and he cried, "Away, 'Tis Hengist with his bloody bands, I know The motion of his crest; brave Chief, away." -- [880] "Away! and leave Argantyr here to boast Samor hath fled him!" -- "Oh, we meet again; Thou art a quarry for the Gods, base lance Must ne'er vaunt blood of thine. Argantyr spares But for himself such noble game. Still here! [885] Froward and furious, if thou need'st must die, Why so must I; fell Hengist will not spare And inch of quivering life on all thy limbs. And I with such a jealous lust pursue A noble conquest o'er thee, I must shield [890] Thy life with mine, for my peculiar fame; Freely mine own death on the hazard cast For such a precious stake as slaying thee."
As through dusk twilight stolen, love-breathless maid For interchange of gentle vows, by noise [895] Startled of envious footstep, chides away Her lingering youth, yet for his lingering loves, Till her fond force hath driven him from her side; So earnest the brave Anglian sued to flight Reluctant Samor; o'er his sword hilt bow'd, [900] Stood sorrowing for the wounds himself had made, That marr'd his speedier flight. Anon approach'd Hengist, encircled by his state of spears, And bright Rowena by his side. "But now Thy steed along our camp rush'd masterless, [905] Therefore we seek thee, Anglican. How! thou bleedst! And strange! thy foeman bites not the red earth. What might hath scathless met Argantyr's steed?"
"He, gasp'd he here in death, thy soul would dance, The Wanderer!" -- "He! he wars but on soft boys, [910] He dare not front Argantyr." -- "False, 'tis false!" Burst from Rowena; "he dares deeds our Gods Had shrunk from (Hengist's cloudy brow she mark'd), Or whence his proud claim to my father's hate?" "Where hath the Recreant fled? Pursue, pursue!" [915] Cried Hengist. "Hast thou wings to cleave the air? Or windest the deep bosom of the earth, Thou may'st o'ertake. Yet Samor is not now," He said, "as Samor was; were Samor more, Earth and Argantyr had been wed erenow." [920]
So spake the Anglian; leap'd Rowena's heart In hope, in shame, in anguish, in delight. "Oh, hath my softness sunk so deep to change Thy steadfast nature, yet thus chang'd, thy might Wrests honour from thy foeman's lips." -- "Oh now," [925] Laughing in baffled bitterness, exclaim'd The Saxon King, "now weave we softer nets To toil this dangerous Wanderer. What say'st thou, Fair-ey'd Rowena, now thou hast cast off Thy fond, thy lovesick Vortigern? perchance [930] The sunshine of thy beauty might melt down This savage to a tame submissive slave."
Rowena, whose proud look with beauteous awe Smote her beholders, wore her loveliness As though she gloried in its power; now close [935] Crowded o'er all her face her mantle's folds, That ill conceal'd the purple fire within. Then forward past they to the Saxon camp.
But far by Wye's green marge had Samor fled, Till now the ebbing blood with short quick throb [940] Beat at his heart, his languid feet were clogg'd With the thick forest leaves, the keen air search'd With a cold thrill his wounds. He falls, scarce sobs; "Merciful God, on this in all my life The sole, the single day I would not die." [945] Then faint, and sickly, an oppressive rest Seal'd sight and sense. When sleep feel on him, eve Was gathering fast, but when he woke, more shot From the gray east her faint pellucid light. His blood was staunch'd, a soothing coolness lay [950] On his mild wounds, the rude arch of the boughs Seem'd woven with officious care to veil The bright Sun from his eyelids; the dry leaves Were gathered round him, like a feathery couch. He lay and listen'd, a soft step approach'd [955] Light as the wren along the unshaking spray, And o'er him lean'd a maiden pale, yet blithe With tinge of joy, that settled hue. -- "Is't thou, Gentle Myfanwy?" "Blessings on thy waking; I long'd to tell thee what sweet dreams have sooth'd [960] My sorrows since we parted; in my sleep My parents came, and with them that fond youth, And they smil'd on him kindly. Think'st thou God Can have such mercy on sins dark as mine?" "God's plenteous mercies on thee for thy care [965] Of me, sweet maiden." -- "Pardon me, oh thou, Heaven pardon me, when first I saw thee cold, Helpless, and bleeding, evil thoughts arose Of my poor Abisa's untimely death."
But deeper meditation Samor's mind [970] Beset. "Almighty, truely thou ordain'st Wisdom from baby lips; what moral high Breathes in this simple maid's light-hearted smiles! And I, for wisdom fam'd, for pride of mind, Insulted with weak doubts thy infinite, [975] Illimitable goodness; she so soft, So delicate, so sinful and so sad, Springs on her airy plumes of hope to thee. Oh, were mine guilt of act not thought, the stain Thy fount of living mercy might efface." [980] He prest a kiss upon her cheek so pure Even Abisa had granted it. -- "Farewell, My kind preserver, cherish thou thy hope, As 'twere an infant fondling on thy breast." And fresh with hope, like gay stag newly bath'd, [985] Forth on his voyage lone the Avenger past.
BOOK VIII.
His path is 'mid the Cambrian mountains wild; The many fountains that well wandering down Plinlimmon's huge round side their murmurs smooth Float round him; Idris, that like warrior old His batter'd and fantastic helmet rears, [5] Scattering the elements wrath, frowns o'er his way A broad irregular duskiness. Aloof Snowdon, the triple-headed giant, soars, Clouds rolling half way down his rugged sides.
Slow as he trod amid their dizzy heights, [10] Their silences and dimly mingling sounds, Rushing of torrents, roar of prison'd winds; O'er all his wounded soul flow'd strength, and pride, And hardihood; again his front soar'd up To commerce with the skies, and frank and bold [15] His majesty of step his rugged path Imprinted. So in old poetic faith Hyperion from his native Delian bowers, 'Mid the rich music of those sisters nine, Walk'd the bright heights of Helicon, and shook [20] His forehead's clustering glories wide, and flush'd The smoothness of his fair immortal face With purple Godhead. Whence, ye mountains, whence The spirit that within your secret caves Holds kindred with man's soul? Is't that your pomp [25] Of exaltation, your aërial crowns In their heaven-scaling rivalry cast forth Bold sympathies of loftiness, and scorn Contagious? or in that your purer air, Where fresh and virgin from its golden fount, [30] Lies the fine light at morning, or at eve Melts upward and resolves itself from earth, And with its last clear trembling round ye clings; The soul, unwound its coarse material chains, Basks in its own divinity, and feels [35] There in the verge and portal of the heavens, The neighbourhood of brighter worlds unseen? Where the blue Glasslyn hurries her fleet course To wanton on the yellow level sands, On either side in sheer ascent abrupt [40] The rocks, like barriers that in elder time Wall'd the huge cities of the Anakim Upblacken to the sky, whose tender blue With mild relief salutes th' o'erlabour'd sight. There on the scanty slippery way, that winds [45] With the stream's windings, Samor loiters on. But who art thou, that in the Avenger's path Standest in dark serenity? what joy Instinct amid thy thick black locks reveals The full voluptuous quietude within? [50] Oh, Prophet! in thy wanderings wide and far Amid the pregnant hours of future time, Haply the form of Samor, disarray'd Calamity's sad vesture, hath appear'd In plenitude of glory. Hence thine eye [55] With recognition glad and bright salutes The Man of Fate. To earth that Prophet old Bow'd down, then look'd he on the waters dark, Then upward to the mountains. "Stony earth, Within thy secret bosom feel'st not thou [60] A wonderous presence? dwells not, thou blue stream, Under thy depth of waves a silent awe? -- Yea, Snowdon, lift thou up in sternest pride Thy cloudy mantled brow; ye know him all, Ye know the Avenger." -- "Merlin, mock not thou [65] Thy fellow creature of the dust, the child Of sin and sorrow, with o'erlabour'd phrase. Abasing the immortal elements From their high calm indifference to sense Of our light motions. Simple truth severe [70] Best seemeth aged lips; oh, holy famed And sage, how ill strong Wisdom's voice melts down To the faint chime of flattery." -- "Poor of pride! Feeble of hope! thou seest thyself forlorn, An hunted wanderer in thy native land. [75] I see thee clad in victory and revenge, Thy glory sailing wide on all the winds, Beautiful with thy blessings at thy feet Thy own fair Britain, Fate so freely spreads Her mystic volume to my sight." -- "Oh, blind, [80] And ignorant as blind our insect race! The mole would count the sunbeams, the blind worm Search the hid jewels in the depths of earth, And man, dim dreamer, would invade the heavens, Self-seated in the Almighty's councils read [85] The secrets of Omniscience, yea, with gaze Familiar scruntinize the Inscrutable. I tell thee, Merlin, that the soul of man Is destiny on earth; God gave us limbs To execute, and intellect to will [90] Or good or evil, and his unseen Spirit Our appetites of holiness, else faint And wavering doth corroborate: hence man's prides, Man's glories, and man's virtues all are God's. If yet this heart unwearied may bear on, [95] Nor from its holy purpose faintly swerve, The Lord be prais'd, its fate is pride and joy. But if, and oh the peril! it play false Its country's lofty hazard, shall it shift On wayward destiny its sloth and sin? [100] Evil is not, where man no evil wills, And good is not, where will not man and God."
"Chief wise as brave, as to our feeble sight Yon pebble's slight circumference, the Past, The Present, and the Future of this world [105] Are to the All-seeing vision; oft doth Heaven In sign and symbol duskily reveal The unborn future; oft Fate's chariot wheels Are harbinger'd by voices that proclaim The fashion of their coming; gifted Seers [110] Feel on their lips articulate the deeds Of later days, and dim oracular sights Crowd the weak eyes, till pall'd attention faint To dizziness." -- "Oh, Merlin, time hath been When in the guilty cities the Lord's voice [115] Hath spoken by his Prophets, hath made quail By apparitions ominous and dire Strong empires on their unassailed height. But oh, for us of this devoted isle, Drench'd with the vials of Almighty wrath, [120] To gaze up, and beseech the clouds to rain Bright miracles on this poor speck of earth."
"Shame choke thy speech, despondent slanderer! thee Avenger! this from thee! Away! my lips Burn with the fire of heaven, my heart flows o'er [125] With gladness and with glory. Peerless Isle, How dost thou sit amid thy blue domain Of ocean, like a sceptred Queen! The bonds Like flax have wither'd from thy comely limbs. Thou, the strong freedom of thy untam'd locks [130] Shaking abroad, adornest God's fair world. Thou noblest Eden of man's fallen state, Apart and sever'd from the common earth, Even like a precious jewel, deep and far In the abyss of time thy dawn of pride Still with a fuller and more constant blaze Grows to its broad meridian, and Time's rolls Are silent of thy setting. Oh, how fair The steps of freemen in thy vales of peace; Thy broad towns teem with wealth, thy yellow fields Laugh in their full fertility; thy bays [141] Whiten and glisten with thy myriad barks. The Angels love thee, and the airs of heaven Are gladden'd by thy holy hymns, while Faith Sits on thy altars, like a nestling dove, [145] In unattainted snowyness of plume."
"Now, by my soul, thou strange and solemn Man. Mistrust thee more I dare not; be't a dream Or revelation of immortal truth, Of Britain's fame I cannot choose but hear [150] With a child's transport." -- Then the Prophet shook The dark profusion of his swelling hair With a stern triumph; then his aged eye Grew restless with delight: his thin white hand Closing around the Baron's arm, lay there [155] Like a hard glove of steel. He led him on, Till now the black and shaggy pass spread out To a green quiet valley, after named The Bed of Gelert, that too-faithful hound Slain fondly by his erring Lord: the stream [160] Here curl'd more wanton, lightly wafting down The last thin golden leaves the alders dropt, Like fairy barges skimming the blue waves. That stream o'erpass'd, rightward their silent way Lay to the foot of Snowdon. Pause was none, [165] They front the steep ascent, and upward wind A long, sheer, toilsome path, their footfalls struck Upon the black bare stillness, audible As in thick forest the lone woodman's axe. 'Twas strange, yet slack'd not that old reverend Man His upward step, as though the mountain air [171] Were his peculiar element, still his breath Respir'd unlabouring, lively bounded on His limbs, late slow and tremulous. Three long hours, Now front to front upon that topmost peak, Erwydfa, sit they motionless, alone: As when two vultures on some broken tower, That beetles o'er a dismal battle field, In dark and greedy patience ruminate Their evening feast, a stillness as of sleep [180] Heaves in their ruffled plumes, their deep bright eyes Half clos'd in languid rest; so undisturb'd, So lofty, sate the Avenger and the Seer. The atmosphere, that palls our restless world, Lay coiling in its murky folds below: [185] So in some regal theatre, when droops The unfolding curtain, and within it shrouds The high disastrous passions, crimes, and woes Erewhile that fretted on its pomp of scene; Thus Earth, with all its solemn tragedies, [190] Heroic vauntings, sumptuous imagings, Set in its veil of darkness from their sight. The filmless, the pellucid heaven above One broad pure sheet of sunlight. -- "Gifted Man, (Cried Samor,) wherefore to this desolate [195] Untrodden!" -- "Ha! untrodden! know ye not, Where course humanity defiles not, there The snowy-footed Angels lightly skim Their taintless soil, the fragrance of their plumes Fans the pure air where chokes no breath of sin [200] The limpid current? Desolate! the motes That flicker in the sun are few and rare To the immortal faces that smile down Exquisite transport on the ravish'd sense. Here, from their kindred elements, emanate [205] The festive creatures of the heavenly fields, Glories, and Mercies, and Beatitudes; Some dropping on the silent summer dews, Some trembling on the rainbow's violet verge, Some rarely charioteering on the wings [210] Of the mild winds, in moonlight some. Why shakes The Man of Vengeance? wherefore of mine hand This passionate wringing?" -- "Tell me, truely tell; The name of Emeric, from some mild-lipp'd tone Hath it e'er trembled on thine ear? Old Man, [215] Is't sin to say her presence might adorn That gentle company?" -- "To souls like thine, Warrior, Heaven grants sweet intercourse and free With its beatified." -- "Ah, now thou rak'st The ashes of a buried grief: gone all, [220] My gentle visitations broken off, My delicate discoursings silent, ceas'd! Oh, I talk idly, Prophet, speak thou on."
"Aye, Warrior, and of mild and soft no more; Grandeurs there are, to which the gates of heaven [225] Set wide their burnish'd portals: midnight feels Cherubic splendours ranging her dun gloom, The tempests are ennobled by the state Of high seraphic motion. I have seen, I, Merlin, have beheld. It stood in light, [230] It spake in sounds for earth's gross winds too pure. Between the midnight and the morn 'twas here I lay, I know not if I slept of woke, Yet mine eyes saw. Long, long this heart had yearn'd, 'Mid those rich passings and majestic shows [235] For shape distinct, and palpable clear sound. It burst at length, yea, front to front it stood, The Immortal Presence. I clench'd up the dust In the agony and rapture of my fear, And my soul wept with terror and deep joy. [240] It stood upon the winds, an Angel plumed, And mail'd and crown'd; his plumes cast forth a tinge Like blood on th' air around: his arms, in shape Etherial panopoly complete, in hue The moonlight on the dark Llanberis lake, [245] A bright blue rippling glitter; for the crown, Palm leaves of orient light his brown enwreath'd, That bloom'd in fair divinity of wrath, And beautiful relentlessness austere. Knowledge was in my heart, and on my lips; [250] I felt him, who he was. -- "Archangel! hail, Destroyer! art not thou God's Delegate, To break the glassy glories of this world? The gem-knosp'd diadem, the ivory ball, Sceptre and sword, imperial mantle broad, [255] The Lord of Nations, Thundershaft of war, Are glorious on the pale submissive earth: Thou com'st, and lo, for throne, for sword, for king, Bare ashes and thin dust. Thou art, that aye The rich tower'd cities smoulder'st to pale heaps [260] Of lazy moss-stones, and aye after thee Hoots Desolation like a dank-wing'd owl Upon the marble palaces of Kings. Thou wert, when old Assyrian Niniveh Sank to a pool of waters, waste and foul; [265] Thou, when the Median's brow the massy tiar Let fall, and when the Grecian's brazen throne Sever'd and split to the four winds; and now Consummatest thy work of wreck and scorn, Even on Rome's Caesars, making the earth sick [270] Of its own hollowness. Archangel! Hail, Vicegerent of destruction, Cupbearer, That pour'st the bitter liquor of Heaven's wrath, A lamentable homage pay I thee, And sue thee tell if Britain's days are full, [275] Her lips for thy sad beverage ripe. Thereat Earthward his sunny spear its lurid point Declin'd, and lo, a White Horse, through the land Ranging in stately speed; our city gates Shrunk open at his coming, our fair fields [280] Wither'd before him, so his fiery breath Flar'd broad amazement through the gasping land. Triumph was in the trampling of his feet, And the strong joy of mockery, for he trod On broken principalities; his mane [285] Familiar Conquest, as a rushing wind, Fann'd in loose brilliant streamings." -- "False-lipp'd Seer, Thou spak'st of gladness, and thy ominous tone Is darkness and dismay." -- "Hark, Warrior, hark: That wanton mane was trail'd down to the dust, [290] That fiery trampling falter'd to dull dread, That pale victorious steed Thee, Thee I saw, Visible as thou stand'st, with mastering arm Drag down, and on his strong and baffled neck Full trod thy iron-sandal'd heel. The sight [295] Was wine unto my soul, and I laugh'd out, And mock'd the ruinous Seraph in the clouds.
"Yet stood he in the quiet of his wrath, Angelic Expectation, that awaits Calmly till God accomplish God's high will, [300] Full on his brow. Then stoop'd the spear again, And lo, Seven Steeds, like that pale One, bestrode The patient Isle, and they that on them rode Wore diadem and regal pall; then rose To war against those royal riders fierce, [305] From a round table, Knights in sunlike arms, Shields bossy with rich impress quaint, and fair Their coursers, as the fire-hoof'd steeds of Morn. To white-arm'd Ladies in a stately court Bards hymn'd the deeds of that fine chivalry, [310] And their crown'd Captain's title smote mine ear,
Arthur of Bretagne." -- Years went rolling on, Cloudy, discordant, and temptestuous years, For the sword reap'd the harvest of the land, And battle was the may-game of her sons. [315] And lo, a Raven o'er the Eastern sea Swoop'd desolation on the Isle; her wings Blasted wheree'er they wav'd, the earth wept blood In her foul talons gripe. But he that rode On the White Steed, the Sovereign of the Land, [320] (Patience, Avenger, patience!) fair was he, That Sovereign, as the virgin's spring-tide dream, Holy as new anointed Christian Priest, Valiant as warrior burnish'd for the fight, Fond and extatic, as love-dreaming Bard, [325] Solemn and wise, as old Philosopher, Stately, as kingborn lion in the wood; As he his fine face heavenward turn'd in prayer, The Angels bent down from their throning clouds, To wonder at that admirable King, [330] Sky-wandering voices peal'd in transport out -- 'Alfred!' the baffled Raven cower'd aloof, The isle look'd up to heaven in peace and joy.
"Still stood he there, betwixt me and the sun, Th' Archangel; not in sleep, nor senselessness [335] Absorb'd, but terrible inaction spread Over his innate menace. Oh, I strove, Yet dared not hope the dregs of wrath were drain'd, The mission of dismay fulfill'd and done; Yet had those wings of fatal hue droop'd down [340] In folded motionlessness, wreathy light Had crept and wound around the dusky spear, Silvering its perilous darkness. Dropt at once That tender light away; at once those wings Started asunder, and spread wide and red [345] The rain of desolation, thicker roll'd The pedestal of clouds whereon he stood, As to bear up the effort of his wrath. Again the Eastern Raven snuff'd our air, The frantic White Horse laved his hoofs in blood, [350] Till from the Southern Continent sprung forth A Leopard, on the ocean shore he ramp'd. Woe to the White Horse, to the Raven woe, Woe for the title of the Leopard Lord, The Conqueror! and a Bell I heard, that sway'd [355] Along the isle, and froze it into peace With its majestic tyranny of sound.
"But he, upon the air, th' Archangel, he, The summons of whose eye from climes remote Beckon'd those grisly ministers of wrath, [360] Northward he look'd, no northern ruin came. To th' East, there all was still. The South, nor shape Nor sound. The West, calm stretch'd th' unruffled sea. Ha! thought I, earth hath now no ruin more, The race of havock in extinct for us, [665] Angel of wreck away! thy task is o'er; Majestic Mischief, from our isle away!
He went not; as an earthquake's second shock, With dreary longing watch'd I what might come; Moments were years; and lo, the Island's sons [370] Nor Briton they, nor Saxon, nor the stock Of those new comers, but from each had flow'd All qualities of honour and renown, The foul dishonest dregs had fum'd away, And the rich quintessence, unmix'd, unsoil'd, [375] An harmony of energies sublime, Knit in that high-brow'd people. Courtesy, Death-scorning valour, Fame's immortal thirst, And honour inbreath'd like the life of life.
Then rose that strong Archangel, and he smote [380] The bosom of the land; at once leap'd up That mighty people. Here a Snow-white Rose, And there a Red, with a fatal blossoming, And deadly fragrance, maddening all the land. I heard, I saw -- ah, impious sights and sounds! [385] Two war-cries in one tongue, two banner-rolls Wov'n in one loom, two lances from one forge, Two children from one womb in conflict met; 'Gainst brother brother's blood cried out to heaven, And he that rent the vizor of his foe, [390] Look'd through the shatter'd bars, and saw his son. Ha Britain! in thine entrails dost thou flesh Thy ravine! thy Baronial castles blaze With firebrands from their hospitable hearths.
"Mercy, I cried aloud, thou Merciless! [395] Destroy no more, Destroyer! Prone I fell, And hid mine aching eyes deep in the dust; So from my rocking memory to shut out Those wars unnatural. Pass'd a sound at length As of a Wild Boar hunted to his death; [400] I raised mine head, still there the Archangel stood; Another pause, another gleam of hope; But in that quiet interval me-seem'd Trumpetings as of victory from the sea, Flow'd o'er the Isle, and glories beam'd abroad [405] From a triumphal throne, where sate elate A Virgin: all around her Poets harps Strew'd flowers of amaranth blooming; and methought Was joy and solemn welcoming in heaven Of a pure incense, that from all the Isle [410] Soar'd to the unapproached throne of God.
"Then saw I through the Isle, a River broad And full, and they that drank thereof look'd up Like children dropt forth from a nobler world, So powerful that proud water work'd within, [415] Freshening the body and the soul: and each Beauty array'd and a frank simple strength. The river's name was Freedom: her fair tide So pleasant thrall'd mine eye, I saw not rise Th' Archangel's spear: th' earth's reeling work me then, For lo, upon a throne, a gallant Prince, [421] That with misguided sceptre strove to check That powerful stream: whereat the rebel tide Swell'd up with indignation, and aloof Stood gathering its high-cresting waves; down came [425] The deluge, that fair throne, and all its strong Nobility of pillars, with a crash Came to the earth, while they that drank rush'd out Inebriate with excess of that fierce stream, And cast a bloody sacrifice, that head [430] Endiadem'd with royalty, to glut The tide implacable. 'Tis sad to hear, Aye Samor, what was it to see! Brave Chief, Cold winter leads the pleasant summer on, The night must darken ere the morning dawn; [435] The summer came, the morning dawn'd, I saw The arch'd heavens open o'er the angelic shape, And upward like a cloud he mingled in To the sky's cloudiness. I cried aloud 'For ever!' the close settling in the heavens [440] Seem'd to reply 'For ever.' Not with him Pass'd off my vision fair. Another throne Stood by the venturous margin of that stream; Then merriment, and loose-harp'd wantonness Smooth'd the late ruffled air; immodest tones, [445] To which fair forms in dancing motion swam: They paus'd, then dark around that throne it seem'd, Whereat those holy hymns that scarce had ceas'd To float up in their airy-winged course, In faintness 'gan to tremble and break off; [450] That stream again upgather'd its wak'd wrath, And foamy menace. When behold, a fleet Came tilting o'er the ocean waves, and cast A Lady and a Warrior on the shore, And kingly crowns around their brows august [455] Out blossom'd; on the throne they took their seat, Soar'd gladness on the wings of those pure hymns, And the majestic stream in sunlight flow And full rejoicing murmur, all its waves Wafted around the high and steady throne. [460]
Now listen with thy soul, not with thine ears, Briton! beside that stream a Tree sprang out, With ever-mounting height, and amplitude Aye-spreading; deep in earth its gnarled roots Struck down, as though to strengthen this frail world: Its crown amid the clouds seem'd soaring up [466] For calm above earth's tossing and rude stir, And its broad branching spread so wide, its shade Lay upon distant realms; one golden bright, Close by the cradle of the infant sun, [470] And others in new western worlds remote; And from that mystic river, Freedom, flow'd A moisture like the sap of life, that fed And fertilized the spacious Tree: the gales Of ocean with a gorgeous freshness flush'd [475] The beauty of its foliage. Blossoms rare Were on it; holy deeds, that in the airs Of heaven delicious smelt, and fruits on earth Shower'd from it, making its sad visage smile, For life and hope and bliss was in their taste. [480] Amid the state of boughs twin Eagles hung Their eyries, Victory and Renown, and swung In rapturous sport with the tumultuous winds, But birds obscene, Dishonour, Shame, Dismay, Scar'd by the light of the bright leaves, aloof [485] Far wheel'd their sullen flight, nor dar'd to stoop. I saw the Nations graft their wasted trunks From those broad boughs of beauty and of strength, And dip their drain'd urns in that sacred stream. But in the deep peculiar shade there stood [490] A Throne, an Altar, and a Senate-house. Upon the throne a King sate, triple-crown'd As by three kingdoms; voices eloquent In harmony of discord fulmin'd forth From that wise Senate: in swift intercourse [495] To and fro from heaven's crystal battlements To that pure altar Angels stoop'd their flight. And through the sunny boughs Philosophers Held commerce with the skies, and drew from thence The stars to suffer their sage scrutiny; [500] And Poets sent up through the bowery vault Such lavish harmonies, the charm'd air seem'd Forgetful of its twinkling motion dim.
"Oh, admirable Tree! thou shalt not fall By foreign axe, or slow decay within! [505] The tempests strengthen thee, the summer airs Corrupt not, but adorn. Until that tide, Freedom, the Inexhaustible, exhaust, Lives thy coeval Immortality."
The Prophet ceas'd: still Samor on his face, [510] That in solemnity of firm appeal Look'd heavenward, with a passionate belief Gaz'd, and a glad abandonment. "Ha, Seer, But now when thou begann'st 'twas noon of day, And now deep night. Yea, Merlin, and by night [515] The Tamer of the White Steed must go forge His iron curb." Forth like a cataract He burst, and bounded down the mountain side. "Yet once again, tumultuous world, I plunge Amid thy mad abyss; thou proud and fierce, [520] I come to break and tame thee! see ye not, Wise Hengist! stong Caswallon! how the sand Is under your high towering thrones, the worm Is in your showy palms." -- And then a pause Of tumult and proud trembling in his soul, [525] And, "False it was not, but a gleam vouchsaf'd From the eternal orb of truth, the sense That inbred and ingrain'd with my soul's life, Hath made of Britain to this leaping heart A sound not merely of deep love, but pride [530] Intense, and inborn majesty. I feel, And from my earliest consciousness have felt, That in the wide hereafter, where old Fate Broods o'er the unravelling web of human things, Wov'n by the Almighty, spreads thy tissue broad [535] In light, among the dark and mazy threads; Vicissitude or mutability Quench not its desolate lustre, on it winds Unbroken, unattainted, unobscur'd." --
So pass'd he, who had seen, him then had deem'd, [540] By the proud steedlike tossing of his crest, His motion like the uncheck'd August sun Travelling the cloudless vacancy of air, A monarch for his summer pastime gone Into the shady grove, with courtier train, [545] And plumed steed, and laden sumpter mule, Cool canopy, and velvet carpeting. But he beneath the sleety winter sky, Even his hard arms bit into by the keen And searching airs, houseless, by hazard found [550] His coarse irregular fare, his drink, the ice Toilsomely broken from the stiff black pool. The furr'd wold in the mossy oaken trunk Lapp'd himself from the beating snow, but on Went Samor with unshivering naked foot; [555] The tempest from the mountain side tore down The pine, like a scath'd trophy casting it To moulder in the vale, but Samor's brow Fronted the rude sky; the free torrent felt The ice its rushing turbulence o'ergrow, [560] Translucent in its cold captivity It hung, but Samor burst the invading frost From the untamed waters of his soul, and flow'd Fetterless on his deep unfathom'd course.
And thou, wild Deva, how hast thou foregone [565] Thy summer music, and thy sunny play Of eddies whitening 'mid thy channel stones; Bard-belov'd river, on whose green-fring'd brink The fine imagining Grecian sure had feign'd 'Twixt thy smooth Naiads and the Sylvans rude [470] Of thy gray woods stol'n amorous intercourse; With such a slow reluctance thou delay'st Under the dipping branches, that flap up With every shifting motion of the wind, Thy limpid moisture, and with serpent coil [575] Dost seem as thou would'st mingle with thyself To wander o'er again the same lov'd course. Now lies thy ice-bound bosom mute and flat As marble pavement, thy o'ershadowing woods One bare, brown leaflessness, that faintly drop [580] At intervals the heavy icicles, Like tears upon a monumental stone. But though thy merry waters and brisk leaves Are silent, with their close-couch'd birds of song, Even in this blank dead season music loves [585] Thy banks, and sounds harmonious must be heard Even o'er thy frozen waters. 'Twas an hymn From a low chapel by the river side, Came struggling through the thick and hazy air, And made a gushing as of tears flow o'er [590] The Wanderer's soul; the form winds could not bow Nor crazing tempests, those soft sounds amate; Those dews of music melt into the frame Of adamant, proof against the parching frost.
Under the porch he glided in, and knelt [595] Unnotic'd in the throng: whose motion sway'd The beasts of ravine, he before his God Wore nought distinctive, save of those bruis'd reeds, Was he the sorest bruis'd, and deepest seem'd The full devotion settling round his heart. [600] More musical than the music on that soul, So long inured to things tumultuous, sights Rugged and strange, and hurrying and distract, Came the sensation of a face belov'd. The calm of that old reverend brow, the glow [605] Of its thin silver locks, was like a flash Of sunlight in the pauses of a storm. Now hath the white stol'd Bishop lifted up His arms, his parting benison descends Like summer rain upon his flock. Whose ear, [610] Oh, holy Germain, felt thy gentle tones As Samor's? ah, when last thy saintly brow For him look'd heavenward, and less tremulous then Thy voice on him breath'd blessing, 'twas in times Far brighter, at that jocund bridal hour [615] When Emeric, rosy between shame and joy, Stood with him by the altar side: -- "Thus live In love till life's departure;" -- Such thy prayer, Ah, words how vain! sweet blessings unenjoy'd!
The throng hath parted; in the House of God [620] Still knelt the armed man; with pressure strong He clasp'd old Germain's hand -- "Good Bishop, thou Art skill'd in balancing our earthly sins I was a man, whose high ambitious head Was among God's bright stars; I deem'd of earth, [625] As of a place whose dust my feet shook off With an heaven-gifted scorn, so far, so high Seem'd I above its tainting elevate. At midnight, on my slumber came the sin, I will not say how exquisite and fair, [630] Mine eyelids sprung apart to drink it in, My soul leap'd up to clasp it, and the folds Of passion, like a fiery robe, wrapt in My nature; I had fall'n, but bounteous Heaven Of its most blest permitted one t'extend [635] A snow-white arm of rescue." -- "The hot tears Corrode and fret the warrior's brazen helm; I will not ask thee if thine outward eyes, Hath thy soul wept?" -- "Aye, Bishop, tears of blood; Sorrow and shame weigh'd down my nerveless arm [640] And clipp'd th' aspiring plumage of my soul; From out mine own heart scorn hiss'd at me." -- "Well, Strong Man of arms, hast fought the inward fight, And God remit thy sins, as I remit." --
"Then take thou to thine arms thy ancient friend." [645] So saying, uprose Samor, like a star Out of the ocean, shining his bright face With the pure dews of penitence. But he, The old man, fell upon his neck and wept, As though th' endearing name, my Son, were voic'd [650] By nature, not by saintly use, a sound Not of the lips, but th' overflowing heart.
Their's was a broken conference, drear thoughts Of anguish, desolation, and despair, So moulded up with recollections sweet, [655] They made the sunken visage smile through tears; A few fair roses shed on a brown heath, A little honey in deep cups of gall: Light bridal airs broke in upon by sounds Funereal, shouts of triumph languishing [660] To the faint shriek of agony, direness forc'd Into the fresh bowers of delight, and death, Th' unjoyous, in the laughing feast of joy.
'Tis th' one poor luxury of the wretched have To speak of wretchedness -- yet brief their speech, [665] "Vengeance and vigilance," the stern adieu Even in that hoary Bishop's ear, he went.
But by the Bishop's side, just there where knelt Th' Avenger, a new form: 'twas man in garb, But the thin fringing of the humid eye, [670] The delicate wanderings of the rosy veins, The round full alabaster of the skin, The briefness of the modest sliding step, Something of womanly composure smooth, Even in the close and girt habiliments, [675] Belied the stern appearance. -- "Priest, with him But now who parted, is my soul allied In secret, close society; his faith Must be my faith, his God my God." -- "Fair youth, I question not by what imperious tie [680] Of admiration or strong love, thou 'rt led; For as the Heavens with silent power intense Draw upward the light mists and fogs of earth, And steeping them in glory, hang them forth Fresh, renovate, and radiant; virtue holds [685] The like attractive influence, to her trains Souls light and clayey-tinctur'd, till they catch The fair contagion of her beauty, beam With her imparted light. Hear, heathen youth, Hear and believe." -- As when beneath the nave [690] Tall arching, the Cathedral organ 'gins Its prelude, lingering exquisite Within retir'd the bashful sweetness dwells, Anon like sunlight, or the floodgate rush Of waters, bursts it forth, clear, solemn, full; [695] It breaks upon the mazy fretted roof, It coils up round the clustering pillars tall, It leaps into the cell-like chapels, strikes Beneath the pavement sepulchres, at once The living temple is instinct, ablaze [700] With the uncontrolled exuberance of sound.
Even so with smoothing gentleness began The mitred Preacher, winning audience close: Till rising up, the rapid argument Soar'd to the Empyrean, linking earth [705] With heaven by golden chains of eloquence; Till the mind, all its faculties and powers Lay floating, self-surrender'd in the deep Of admiration. Wondrous 'twas to see, With the transitions of the Holy Creed, [710] The workings of that regular bright face: Now ashy blank, now glittering bright, now dew'd With fast sad tears, now with a weeping smile, Now heavy with droop'd eyelids, open now With forehead arch'd in rapture; 'till at last [715] Ensued a gasping listening without breath. But as the voice severe wound up the strain, And from the heavenly history to enforce The everlasting moral, 'gan extort From the noviciate in the jealous faith [720] Passionless purity, and life sincere From all the soft indulgences of sin; Forbidden in the secret heart to shrine A dear unlawful image, to reserve A sad and narrow sanctuary for desire: [725] Then stood in speechlessness, yet suppliant, With snowy arms outstrech'd, and quivering loose, The veiling mantle thrown in anguish back, Confest the Woman; starting from their band, Like golden waters o'er a marble bed, [730] Flow'd out her long locks o'er her half-bare neck.
"To tell me that in such cold solemn tones, All, all unwelcome, bitter as it is, I must believe, for its oppressive truth Loads on my soul, and he believes it all. [735] To tell it me here, here, where all around Linger his vestiges, where the warm air Yet hath the motion of his breath, the sound Of his departing footsteps beating yet Upon my heart. Long sought! and found in vain! [740] In sunshine have I sought thee and in shade, O'er mountain have I track'd thee, and through vale, The clouds have wrapp'd thee, but I lost thee not, The torrents drown'd thy track, but not from me, I dared not meet thee, but I sought thee still; [745] To me forbid, alone to me, what all The coarse and common things of nature may, The airs of heaven may touch thee, I may not, All human eyes behold thee -- all but mine; And thou, the senseless, enviable dust [750] May'st cherish the round traces of his limbs, His fresh fair image must away from me. Oh, that I were the dust whereon thou tread'st, Even though I felt thee not!" -- And is this she, The Virgin of the festal hall, who won [755] A kingdom for a smile, nor deign'd regard Its winning, and who stoop'd to be a Queen? And is this she, whose coming on the earth Was like the Morn in her impearled car, Loftiest or loveliest which, 'twere bold to say? [760] She whose enamouring scorn feel luxury-like On her beholders, who seem'd glad to shrink Beneath the wreath'd contempt of her full lip? This she, the Lady of the summer bark, To whom the sunshine and the airs, and all [765] Th' inconstant waters play'd the courtier smooth, That cast a human feeling of delight At her bewitching presence o'er the blind Unconscious forms of nature? Is this she! Those rich lips, for a monarch's banquet meet, [770] Visiting the dust with frantic kiss, thus low, Thus desolate, thus fallen, of her fall Careless, so deep in shame, yet unasham'd!
But thou, Heaven reconcil'd, on earth the seal'd, The anointed by the prophet's gladdening oils, [775] God's instrument, hath midnight now resum'd Its spirit-wafting function? Emeric, she On earth so mild, in her had anger seem'd Unnatural as a war-song on a lute, As blood upon the pinion of a dove. [780] In heaven hath she her heavenly qualities Unlearnt? is she the angel now in all But its best part, forgiveness? Can it be Th' ungentle North, the bleak and snowy air Estrange her now? those elements of earth [785] But tyrannize beneath the moon, the stars And spirits in their nature privileg'd From heat and cold, from fevering and from frost, Their pure and constant temperament maintain, Glide through the storm serene, and rosy warm [790] Rove the frore winter air. Are sounds abroad, That Samor from his mossy pillow, stretch'd Under the oak, uplifts his head, and then Like one bliss overcome, subsides again Half asleep, half sense he lies, his nuptial hymn, [795] Articulate each gay and dancing word, Distinct each delicate and dwelling fall, Is somewhere in the air about him, looks Are on him of a bashful eye, too fond To turn away, too timorous to fix [800] And rest unwavering. All the marriage rite Is acting now anew; the sunlight falls Upon the gold clasp'd book of prayer, as then It fell, and Germain speaks as Germain spake; And Emeric, on her cheek the tear is there, [805] Where then it hung in lucid trembling bright; The very fluttering of her yielded hand, When gliding up her finger small, the ring Made her his own for ever, throbs again Upon his sensitive touch. He dares not move [810] Lest he should break the lovely bubble frail, His tranc'd eyes stir not, lest they rove away From that delicious sight, his open hand Lies pulseless, lest the slightest change disturb That exquisite sensation, so he lies, Knowing all false, yet feeling all as true.
And it was false, yet why? that is indeed, Which is to sense and sight. Ah, well beseems Us, the strong insects of an April morn, Steady and constant as the thistle's down [820] When winds are on it, lasting as the flake Of spring snow on the warm and grassy ground, Well beseems us, ourselves, our forms, our lives, The earth we tread on, and the air we breathe, The light and glassy peopling of a dream, [825] T' arraign our visions for their perishing, And on their unreality to rail, Ungrateful to the illusion, that deceives To rapture, and unwise, to cast away Sweet flowers because they are not amaranth. [830]
Thou, Samor, nor ungrateful nor unwise, That, scaping from this cold and dark below, Dost spread thee out for thy peculiar joy A land of fair imaginings, with shapes, And sounds, and motions, and sweet stillnesses, [835] Dost give up all the moon beholds to woe And tumult, but in some far quiet sphere Findest thyself a pure companionship With spirits thou dids't love, and who lov'd thee While passionate and earthly sense was theirs. [840]
BOOK IX.
Who tracks the ship along the sea of storms? Who through the dark haste of the wintry clouds Pierceth to where the planet is retired And constant motion the blue arch of heaven Traverseth? Sometimes on the mountain top [5] Of some huge wave the reappearing bark Takes its high stand, with pennon fluttering far And cautious half furl'd, yet eminent As of th' assaulting element in disdain. Sometimes amid' the darkness falling off, [10] And scattering from its crystal sphere away, Bursts out the argent orb refresh'd, and shews Its lamp unquenchable. Thou voyager 'Mid the rude waves of desolation, Star Of Britain's gloomy night, so bafflest thou [15] My swift poetic vision! now the waves Ride o'er thee, now the clouds devour thee up, And thou art lost to sight, and dare I say Lost to thy immortality of song. Thee to anon I see emerging proud [20] From the dusk billows of calamity, That swol'n and haughty from the recent wreck Of thy compatriot navy, thee assail With their accumulated weight of surge, Thou top'st some high-brow'd wave, and shaking off [25] On either side of their fury, brandishest Thy solitary banner. Thee I see, Within th' embosoming midnight of the land, On gliding with smooth motion undisturb'd, And through the glimpses of the breaking gloom, [30] Sometimes a solemn beauty sheddest forth Of the distemper'd face of human things.
Full in the centre of Caer Ebranc stood [NOTE 13] A temple, by the August Severus rear'd To Mavors the Implacable; what time [35] That Cæsar stoop'd his eagles on the wreck Of British freedom, when the mountaineer, The King of Morven, if old songs be sooth, Fingal, from Carun's bloody flashing waves Shook the fled Roman on his new-built wall; [40] And Ossian woke up on his hill of dreams, And spread the glory of his song abroad, To halo round his sceptred Hero's head.
But not the less his work of pride pursued Th' imperial Roman; up the pillars rose, [45] Slow lengthening out their long unbroken lines, In delicate solidity advanc'd, And stately grace toward the sky, till met By the light massiveness of roof, that sloped Down on their flowery capitals. Nor knew [50] That man of purple and of diadem, The Universal Architect at work, Framing for him a narrow building dark, The grave's lone building. Th' emperor and his bones Into the blank of things forgot and past [55] Had moulder'd, but this proud and 'during pile, By wild weeds overgrown, by yellow hues Of age deep tinted, still a triumph wrought O'er time, and Christian disregard, and stood As though to mock its Maker's perishing. [60]
Upon the eastern pediment stood out A fierce relief, where the tumultuous stone Was nobly touch'd into a fit device For th' immortal Homicide within: it showed His coming on the earth; the God had burst [65] The gates of Janus, that fell shattering back Behind him, from the wall the rearing steeds Sprung forth, and with their stony hoofs the air Insulted. Them Bellona urg'd, abroad Her snaking locks from her bare wrinked brow [70] Went scattering; forward th' haggard charioteer Lean'd, following to the coursers reeking flanks The furrowing scourge with all herself, and hung Over their backs half fury, and half joy, As though to listen to their bruising hoofs, [75] That trampled the thick massacre. Erect Behind, with shield drawn in and forward spear, The con'd helm finely shap'd to th' arching brow, The God stood up within the car, that seem'd To rush whenever the fleet wind swept by. [80] His brow was glory, and his arm was power, And a smooth immortality of youth, Like freshness from Elysium newly left, Th' embalming of celestial airs inhal'd, Touch'd with a beauty to be shudder'd at [85] His massy shape, a lightning-like fierce grace, That makes itself admir'd, whilst it destroys.
There on a throne, fronting the morning sun, Caswallon sate, his sceptre a bright sword Unsheath'd; with savage art had he broke up [90] His helmet to the likeness of a crown, Thereon uncouthly set and clustering bright Rich jewels glitter'd; to his people rang'd Upon the steps of marble sloping down, Barbaric justice minist'ring he sate, [95] Expounding th' absolute law of his own will, And from the abject at his feet receiv'd Homage that seem'd like worship: not alone From his wild people, but from lips baptiz'd, Came titles that might make the patient Heavens [100] Burst to the utterance of a laughing scorn; Might wake up from the bosom of the grave, A bitter and compassionate contempt, To hear the inheritance of her dull worms, Nam'd in his dauntless and unblushing style, [105] "Unconqu'rable! Omnipotent! Supreme!"
But all along the ranging column files, And all abroad the turgid laudings spread, Unconqu'rable! Omnipotent! Supreme!" --
Yet he, the Stranger, whom Prince Malwyn leads, [110] He bows not, those hymn'd flatteries seem to jar Upon his sense, so high his head he bears Above them, like a man constrain'd to walk Amid low tufts of poisonous herbs; he fronts The monarch, and thus 'gins his taunting strain: [115] "Unconqu'rable! whose conquering is the wolf's, That when the shifting battle rages yet, Steals to some desert corner of the field, And riots on the spoils. Omnipotent! Aye, as a passive weapon, wielded now, [120] Now cast away contemptuous for the dust To canker and to rust around. Supreme! O'er whom is Ruin on its vultures wings, Scoffing the bubble whereupon thou rid'st, And waiting Hengist's call to swoop and pierce [125] And dissipate its swoln and airy pride. Whose diadem of glory, sword of power, Yea, breath of life, at Hengist's wayward will, Cling to thee, ready at his beck to fade, And shiver and expire" -- "At Hengist's call! [130] At Hengist's beck! at Hengist's!" -- the word chok'd, With eyes that dug into the Stranger's face, Yet so by wrath bewilder'd, they had lost Distinction, rose Caswallon. From the wall A lance he seiz'd, huge as a pine-tree stem, [135] That on Blencathara stands sheer 'gainst heaven's storms: Far o'er all heads a long and rapid flight It cut along the air, till almost fail'd The sight to track it to its ponderous fall. Then taking on his throne his quiet seat, [140] "Back, back to Hengist, say my lance flies thus, Bid him o'ercast it, then come here again To menace at Caswallon" -- "Soft and weak, (Pursued the unwondering Stranger) know'st thou not, There is a strength, that is not of the arm, [145] Nor standeth in the muscles sinewy play? It striketh, but its striking is unseen, It wieldeth, what it wieldeth seeming yet Sway'd by its own free motion. King, I saw, Thou stepp'st not, speak'st not, but obedient still [150] To Hengist's empire, thou'rt a dog that hunts But as thy master slips thee on his game, A bridled steed, that vaunteth at his own His rider's prowess." -- "Hah! I know thee now, Insolent outcast, Samor!" -- "And I thee, [155] Self-outcast, once a Briton -- oh thou fall'n When most thou seem'st exalted, oh most base When most ennobled, a most pitiful slave When bearing thee most lordly! Briton once, Ay, every clod of earth that makes a part [160] Of this isle's round, each leaf of every tree, And every wave of every streamlet brook, Should look upon thee with a mother's glance. And speak unto thee with a mother's voice. But thou, most impious and unnatural son, [165] Hast sold thy mother to the shame and curse Of foreign lust, hast knit a league to rend And sever her, most proud if some torn limb Be cast thee for thy lot". -- Then rose again Caswallon, from his brow the crown took off, [170] And placing it in Samor's hand -- "I read Thy purpose, and there's fire in't, by my throne! Now, Samor, place that crown upon my head, Do me thy homage, kneeling, as thy king, And thou and I, we'll have a glorious tilt [175] At these proud Saxons. Turn not off; may boys Gild their young javelins in Caswallon's blood, And women pluck me by the beard, if e'er On other terms I league with thee." -- The crown Samor received, and Samor look'd to heaven, [180] And Samor bow'd his knee, -- "Almighty God, If thine eternal thunderbolts are yet Unweary of their function dire, if earth Yet, yet have not exhausted and consum'd Thy flame-wing'd armoury of wrath, reserve [185] Some signal and particular revenge For this man's head, so this foul earth shall learn, Ere doomsday, that the sin, whose monstrous shape Doth most offend thy nice and sensitive sight, Is to bear arms against our native land. [190] Make thou of him a monumental ruin, To publish in the ages long remote, That sometimes is thy red right hand uplift Against the living guilty." -- And to earth, Upleaping, Samor dash'd the crown; the gems [195] Lay starry on the pavement white. On high Caswallon the rear'd sword of justice swung, Heavy with death, above th' Avenger's head. But he -- "Caswallon, hold thine hand, here, here Thy warrant for my safety, by thy son [200] A poniard given, upon his heart to wreak All evil done myself." With bosom bare Stood Malwyn by the Avenger's side. But he Viewing that downy skin, empurpled o'er With youth's light colouring, and his constant mien, [205] Cast down the dagger, and "Fall what fall may, Excellent boy, my hand shall still be white From blood of thine." -- Like wild-boar in his rush Baffled, or torrent check'd, Caswallon paus'd -- "Now, Christian, where learnt thou the art to wrest [210] My vengeance from me? Go, go I may strike If the fit fire me. -- By Andraste, boy, Boy Malwyn, there's thy father in thy blood. Hah, Samor, thou hast 'scap'd me now, erewhile I'll make a footstool of thy neck, to mount [215] On Britain's throne: alive or dead, I'll have A knee as supple, and a front as low From thee, as any of my milk-fed slaves: Go, go." -- And Malwyn led the Avenger forth Along the dull and sleepy shore of Ouse, [220] Till all Caer Ebranc's sounds flagg'd on his ear, And all its towers had dwindled from his sight. Ere parting, Malwyn clasp'd his hand, and tears Hung in his eyelids. -- "Oh, thou know'st not yet How Hengist sways my father's passive mind; [225] My sister, my sweet Lilian, she whose sight Made mine eyes tremble, whom I've stol'n to see, Despite my father's stern command, asleep With parted lips, and snowy breathing skin, Scarce knew she me, her brother, her knew I [230] So only that my spirit yearn'd to mix With her's in fondness, she, even she, the soft The innocent, a wolf had lov'd her, she Hath felt the drowning waters o'er her close, Fair victim of an hellish sacrifice." [235] After a troubled silence, spake the Chief: "Malwyn, my Christian pupil, God will give The lov'd on earth another meeting place; Adieu, remember, Vengeance, Vigilance." --
The Spring had made an early effort faint, [240] T' encroach upon the Winter's ancient reign; And she had lur'd forth from the glittering earth The snowdrop and pale cowslip, th' elder tree And hawthorn their green buds shot out, yet fear'd T' entrust the rude air with their dainty folds. [245] A fresh green sparkled where the snow had been, And here and there a bird on the bare spray Warbled a timorous welcome, and the stream Of Eamont, as rejoicing to be free, Went laughing down its sunny silvering course. [250]
The only wint'ry thing on Eamont's shore Is human; powerless are the airs that touch To breathing and to kindling the dead earth, Powerless the dewy trembling of the sun, To melt around the heart of Vortimer The snow that flakes and curdles there -- that bank, That little bank of fair and cherish'd turf, Whereon his head reclines, ah, doth not rest! By its round swelling, likest were a grave, Save that 'twere brief and narrow for all else [260] But fairy, or those slender watery shapes That dance beneath the stream. Yet there the Spring Hath dropp'd her first, her tenderest bloom; the airs Find the first flowery odours on that spot; Cowslip is there, and primrose faint and pale, [265] The daisy and the violet's blue eyes, Peeping from out the shaking grass. The step Of Samor wakens the pale slumberer there, He lifts his lean hands up, and parts away The matting hair from o'er his eyes, which look [270] As though the painful sunlight wilder'd them, With stony stare that saw not; save that lay A shepherd's wallet by his side, had seem'd That foot of man ne'er ventur'd here; all sounds Were strange and foreign, save the pendant arms [275] Swinging above the heavy knolling sound. But Samor's presence made a sudden break Upon his miserable flow of thought; He motion'd first with bony arm, then spake. "Away, away, thou'rt fearful, thou'lt disturb, [280] Away with thy arm'd head and iron heel, She will not venture, while thy aspect fierce Haunts hereabout, she cannot brook a sound, Nor anything that's rude, and dark, and harsh, Nor any voice, nor any look but mine; [285] She will not come up, if thou linger'st here; Hard and discourteous man, why seek to keep My own, my buried from me? why prevent The smiling intercourse of those that love?" -- "Sad man, what mean'st thou?" -- "Speak not, but begone, [290] I tell thee, she's beneath, I laid her there, And she'll come up to me, I know she will, Trembling and slender, soft and rosy pale. I know it, all things sound, and all things smile, As when she wont to meet me." -- "Woful youth, [295] The dead shall never rise but once." -- "And why? The primrose that was dead, I saw it shed Its leaves, and now again 'tis fresh and fair; The swallow, fled on gliding wing away, Like a departing spirit, see, it skims [300] The waters; the white dormouse, that went down Into its cave, hath been abroad; the stream, That was so silent, hark! its murmuring voice Is round about us; Lilian too, to meet The voices and the breathing things she lov'd, [305] Amid the sunshine and the springing joy Will rise again." -- "Kind Heaven, I should have known, Though rust embrown'd yon breast-plate, and yon helm, I should have known, though furrowy sunk and wan, That face, though wreck'd and broken, that tall form; Prince Vortimer! in maiden or in child, [311] Fancies so sick and wild had been most sad, But in a martial and renowned chief, Might teach a trick of pity to a fiend. Oh, much abus'd! much injur'd! well, too well [315] Hath that fell man the deed of evil wrought." -- "Man, man! then there is man, whose blood will flow, Whose flesh will quiver under the keen steel, Samor!" -- And up he leap'd, as though he flung Like a dead load, the dreamy madness off. [320] "Samor! thou tranquil soul! that walk'st abroad With thy calm reason, and thy cloudless face Unchangeable, as a cold midnight star: Thou scarce wilt credit, I have found a joy In hurling stones down on that glassy tide, [325] And with an angry and quick-dashing foot, Breaking the senseless smoothness, that methought Smiled wickedly upon me, and rejoic'd At its own guilt, and my calamity. But oh, upon a thing that feels and bleeds, [330] And shrieks and shudders, with avenging arm To spring! Where is't and who? good Samor tell." -- And Samor told the tale, and thus -- "Brave youth, Not only from yon narrow turf, come up From Britain's every hill, and glen, and plain, [335] Deep voices that invoke thee, Vortimer, To waken from thy woful rest. Thy arm No selfish, close, and singular revenge Must nerve and freshen; in thy country's cause, Not in thy own, that fury must be wreak'd." [340]
His answer was the brandishing his sword, Which he had rent down from th' o'erhanging bough, And the infuriate riot of his eye.
"Oh, perilous your hazard," still went on Samor, "ye foes of freedom, ye take off [345] Heaven's bonds from all our fiercer part of man, Ye legalize forbidden thoughts, the thirst Of blood ye make a glory, give the hue Of honour and self-admiration proud, To passions murky, dark, unreconcil'd: [350] The sterm and Pagan vengeance sanctify T' a Christian virtue, and our prayers, that mount Unto the throne of God, though harshly toned With imprecations, take their flight uncheck'd."
But Vortimer upon the grassy bank Had fall'n, "Not long, sweet spirit, oh not long, Shall violets be wanting on thy grave." --
Yet unaccompanied the Avenger past, -- As though the wonted dark and solemn words, "Vengeance and Vigilance," had fix'd him there, [360] Prince Vortimer remains by Eamont side.
Samor! the cities hear thy lonely voice, Thy lonely tread is in the quiet vale, Thy lonely arm, amid his deep trench'd camp, The Saxon hears upon some crashing helm [365] Breaking in thunder and in death. But thee, Why see I thee by Severn side? what soft And indolent attraction wiles thee on, Even on this cold and gusty April day, To the sad desert of thy ancient home? [370] Why mingle for thyself the wormwood cup? Why plunge into the fount of bitterness? Or why, with sad indulgence, pamper up, Wilful the moody sorrow, and relax Thy high-strung spirit? Oh, so near, no power [375] Hath he to pass from those old scenes away, He must go visit every sport belov'd, And think on joys, no more to be enjoy'd.
Ruin is there, but ruin slow and mild, The spider's wandering web is thin and gray [380] On roof and wall, here clings the dusky bat, And, where his infants voices us'd to sound, The owlet's sullen flutter and dull chirp Come o'er him; on his hospitable hearth The blind worm and slow beetle crawl their round. [385] Yet is not little, light, and trivial thing, Without its tender memory; first with kiss, Long and apparent sweet, the primrose bed He visits, where that graceful girl is laid. Then roves he every chamber; eye, and ear, [390] And soul, all full of her, that is not there: Emeric haunts everywhere, there's not a door Her thin form hath not glided through, no stone Upon the chequer'd marble where her foot Hath never glanc'd, no window whence her eyes [395] Have never gaz'd for him; the walls have heard Her voice; her touch, now deathly cold, hath been Warm on so many things; there hangs, even now, The lute, from whence those harmonies she drew, So spherelike sweet, they seem'd to drop from heaven. There, where the fox came starting out but now, [401] There, circled with her infants, did she sit: And here the bridal couch, the couch of love, A little while, and then the bed of death. And lo that holy scroll of parchment, stamp'd [405] With many a sentence of the word of God, Still open, Samor could not choose but read In large and brilliant characters emblaz'd, The Preacher's "Vanity of vanities."
How like is grief to pleasure! here to stay [410] One day, one night, to see the eve sink down Into the water, with its wonted fall 'Tis strange temptation -- and to gather up Sad relics. And the visionary night! How will its airy forms come sliding down, [415] Here, where is old familiar footing all, 'Tis strange temptation. -- But the White-horse flag Past waving o'er his sight, at once he thought Of that seal'd day of destiny, when his foot Should trample on his neck, and burst away. [420]
Oh secret traveller o'er a ruin'd land, Yet once more must I seek thee 'mid the drear, The desolate, the dead. On Ambri plain, On Murder's blasted place of pride. Might seem At distance 'twas a favour'd meadow, bright [425] With richer herbage than the moorland brown Around it, the luxurious weeds look'd boon, And glanc'd their many-colours fleck'd with dew. Seen nearer, scattter'd all around appear'd Few relics of the sumptuous feast, the wrecks [430] Of lifeless things, that gaily glitter'd still, While all the living had been dark so long. Fragments of banners, and pavilion shreds, Of broken goblet here and there, or ring, Or collar on that day how proudly worn! [435]
A stol'n and hurried burying had there been; Here had the pious workman, as disturb'd At his imperfect toil, left struggling out A hand, whose bleach'd bones seem'd even yet to grasp The earth, so early, so untimely left. [440] And here the gray flix of the wolf, here black Lay feathers of the obscene raven's wing, Shewing, where they had marr'd the fruitless toil. And uncouth stones bore here and there a name, Haply the vaunted heritage of kings. [445]
It was a sad and stricken place; though day Was in the heaven, and the fresh grass look'd green, The light was wither'd, nor was silence there A soothing quiet; busy 'twas, and chill And piercing, rather absence of strong sound, [450] Than stillness, like the shivering interval Between the pauses of a passing bell.
Oh Britain! what a narrow place confines Thy powerful and thy princely! that gray earth Was what adorn'd and made thee proud: the fair, [455] Whose beauty was the rapture of thy maids, The treasure of thy mothers: and the brave, Whose constant valour was thy wall of strength: The wealthy, whose air-gilding palace towers Made thee a realm of glory to detain [460] The noon-day sun in his career; thy wise, Whose grave and solemn argument controll'd Thy councils, and thy mighty, whose command Was law in thy strong cities, Beauty, wealth, Might, valour, wisdom, mingled and absorb'd [465] In one cold similarity of dust, One layer of white and silent ashes all. The air breathes of mortality; abroad A spirit seems to hover, pouring in Dim thoughts of Doomsday to the soul; steal up [470] Voiceless sensations of eternity, From the blank earth. Oh, is it there beneath Th' invisible everlasting? or dispers'd Among its immaterial kindred free, The elements? Oh man! man! fit compeer [475] Of worms and angels, trodden under foot, Yet boundless by the infinite expanse Of ether! mouldering and immutable!
But thou, Avenger, in that quiet glebe, How many things are hid, once link'd to thee [480] By ties more gentle than the coupling silk, That pairs two snowy doves! hands used to meet In brotherly embrace with thine, and hearts Wherein thy image dwelt, clear, changeless, full As the Spring moon upon a crystal lake, [485] Faces in feast, in council, and in fight, That took their colouring from thine. And thou Alone art breathing, moving, speaking here, Amid the cold, the motionless, the mute!
Among that solemn multitude of graves [490] One woman hath her dwelling: round and round She wanders with a foot that seems to fear That it is treading over one belov'd. She seems to seek what she despairs to find. There's in her eye a wild enquiring roll, [495] Yet th' eye is stony. Oft she stops to hear, Then, as in bitter disappointment, shakes Her loose hair, and again goes wandering on. She shriek'd at Samor's presence, and flung up Her arms, and in her shriek was laughter. "Thou! What dost thou with that face above the earth, [501] Thou should'st be with the rest!" -- "My friend's soft bride, The dainty Evelene!" -- "That's it, the name Wherewith the winds have mock'd me every morn, And every dusky eve -- or was it then? [505] Aye then it was, when I was wont to sleep On a soft bed, and when no rough winds blew About me, when I ever saw myself Drest glitt'ringly, and there was something else Then, which there is not now." -- "Thy Elidure, [510] Ah! houseless widow!" -- "Hah! thou cunning man, 'Twas that, 'twas that, and thou canst tell me too Where they have laid him -- well thou canst, I know There's deep connexion 'twixt my grief and thee. Thou, thou art he that wakest sleepers up, [515] And send'st them forth along the cold bare heath, To seek the dark and disappearing. There Sound howlings at the midnight bleak, and blasts Shivering and fierce. And there come peasant boors That bring the mourner bread, and weave the roof [520] Above her, of the brown and rustling fern, But never sounds the voice, or comes the shape She sought for. Oh, my wakings and my sleeps How exquisite they were, upon his breast I slept, and when I woke there smil'd his face." [525]
Even as the female pigeon to her nest, All ruffled by rude winds and discompos'd, Returning, with full breast sits brooding down, And all sinks smooth around her and beneath: So when the image of departed joy [530] Revisited the heart of that sad wife, Settled to peace its wayward and distraught, Sweetly she spake, and unconfus'dly heard, Of him the low, the undistinguish'd laid, Of Samor's friend, her bridegroom, Elidure. [535] And somewhat of her pale and tender bloom With a faint flourishing enliven'd up The wither'd and the sunken in her cheek; But when again alone, o'er heart and brain Flash'd back the wandering, recommenc'd the search Ever with broken questionings, and mute [540] Lip-parted listenings, pauses at each grave, As though it were her right, where lay her lord, That some inherent consciousness should start Within her; though 'tis nature's law, that one [545] Cold undistinguished silence palls the dead, Yet, yet 'tis hard and cruel not to grant One low sound, even the likeness of a sound, To tell her where to lay her down and die. Sure there are spirits round her, yet all leagued [550] T' abuse and lead astray, and hid, even his, Pitiless as the rest, with jealous care Concealing its felt presence. Ghostly night Wafts her no dusk intelligence; the day Shews nothing with its broad and glaring rays. [555]
BOOK X.
But thou from North to South hast rang'd the isle, From Skiddaw to the Cornwall sea-beat rocks, One icy face of desolation cold, One level sheet of sorrow and dismay, Avenger! thou hast travers'd, hast but held [5] Companionship with mourners and with slaves.
Upon the northern rocks of Cornwall meet Th' Avenger and the Warrior; thus spake he -- "How name ye yon strong castle on the rock?" "Tintagel, the Prince Gorlois' towers." -- "And whose Yon soldiers cresting with their camp the shore, [11] And yon embattled navy on the sea, Rounding their moony circle?" "Mine." -- "And thou?" "Methinks, most solemn questioner, the helm Might well proclaim Pendragon." -- "No, the brow, [15] Whereon that scaly blazon us'd to glow, Had ne'er been girding with unnatural siege A British castle, while all Britain lay In chains beneath the Stranger." -- "What art thou, That beardest in thy high and taunting vein [20] The Princes of the land?" -- "A Prince." -- "Thus arm'd And thus attir'd!" -- "Misjudging, must thou learn The actions are the raiment of the man, Better to serve my country in worn weeds And dinted arms like mine, than 'gainst her sons [25] To lace a golden panoply. This rust, 'Tis Saxon blood, for thine, its only praise Is its bright stainlessness. Look not, fierce Prince, As from my veins its earliest spots should fall, 'Tis Britain barbs the arrows that I speak, [30] And makes thy heart its mark." -- "What man or more Thus fires and freezes, angers and controls With the majestic valour of his tongue, The never yet controll'd, and bears the name Of Britain, like a shield before him, broad [35] And firm against my ripe and bursting wrath? Samor! come, honour'd warrior, to my arms; Oh shame to see, and seeing not to know The noblest of our isle." -- "No arms may fold Samor within them, but a Briton's; thou [40] By this apostate war disown'st the name, And leaguest dark alliance with her foes."
"Ah, then thou know'st not, in yon rock is mew'd The crafty kite that hath my dove in thrall. My dove, my bride, my sweet Ignera; her [45] That Gorlois with his privy talon swoop'd, The gentle, the defenceless, and looks down From his air-swinging eyrie on my wrath, That like the sea against the rooted rock, Lashes and roars in vain." -- "Thy bride!" -- "My bride, By holy words in saintly chapel spoke; [51] And all before the twilight meeting stolen, Upon the shelly beach, when came my bark Sliding with smooth oar through the soundless spray From the Armoric shore, and vows so fond [55] The unfelt waters crept up round our feet; All after rapturous union undisturb'd, Her father's blessing on our bridal couch, Promise of infant pledges, all o'erthrown, All wither'd by that Gorlois, that low worm [60] I were too proud to tread on heretofore; He with some cold and antiquated plea Of broken compact by the sire, away Reft with a villain stealth th' ill-guarded gem, And hoards it in his lone and trackless cave." [65]
"A darker and more precious theft has been: This Britain hath been stolen, this fair isle, This land of free-born Christian men become The rapine of fierce Heathens. Uther, hear, Hear, son of Constantine! most dear the ties [70] Of wedlock earthly woven, yet seal'd by God; But those that link us to our native land. Are wrought out from th' eternal adamant By the Almighty. Oh thy country's call Loud with a thousand voices drowns the tone [75] Of sweet-complaining even from wife belov'd -- Forego the weaker, Uther, and obey The stronger duty." -- "Bloodless man and cold, Or wrong I thee; perchance the Saxon holds Thy Emeric, and my claims must cede to thine, [80] Even as all beauties to that peerless star." --
Spare, Uther, spare thy taunting, she is safe, Briton or Saxon harm not her." -- "'Tis well, Fair tidings! but thy shuddering brow looks white." "There's a cold safety, Uther, with the dead, [85] There is where foes disturb no more, the grave." "Pardon me, friend -- oh pardon -- but my wife, She too will seek that undisturbed place, Ere yield to that pale craven's love; if false She dare not live, and yet, oh yet she lives." [90]
Uprose the Avenger, and his way he took To where the rock broke off abrupt and sheer. Before him yawn'd the chasm, whose depth of gloom Sever'd the island Castle from the shore: The ocean waves, as though but newly rent [95] That narrow channel, tumbled to and fro, Rush'd and recoil'd, and sullenly sent up An everlasting roar, deep echoed out From th' underworking caverns; the white gulls Were wandering in the dusk abyss, and shone [100] Faint sunlight here and there on the moist slate. The Castle drawbridge hung aloof, arm'd men Pac'd the stern ramparts, javelins look'd out From embrasure and loop-hole, arbalist And bowstring loaded lay with weight of shaft [105] Menacing. On the dizzy brink stood up Th' Avenger, like a Seraph when absolv'd His earthly mission, on some sunny peak He waits the gathering cloud, whereon he wont To charioteer along the azure space; [110] In vain he waits not, under his plum'd feet, And round about his spreading wings it floats, And sails off proudly with its heavenly freight. Even thus at Samor's call down heavy fell The drawbridge, o'er the abyss th' Avenger springs; [115] Tintagel's huge portcullis groaning up Its grooves gives way; then up the jealous bridge Behind him leaps, the gate falls clashing down.
Half wonder, and half fear, Pendragon shook The terrors of his crest, and gasping stood, [120] As when a hunter is gone in to brave The bear within his shaggy den, down peers His fellow through the dusk, and fears to see What his keen eyes strain after. But elate Appear'd upon the rampart that tall Chief, [125] Seeming on th' outpour'd garrison to cast Words potent as the fabled wizard's oils, With the terrific smoothness of their fire Wide sheeting the hush'd ocean; th' arbalist Discharg'd its unaim'd bolt, the arrow fell [130] From the slack bowstring; careless of his charge, The watchman from his turret lean'd, o'er all Bright'ning and stilling the high language spread, Giving a cast of pride to vulgar brows, Shedding o'er stupor and thick-breathing awe [135] A solemn hue of glory: Far it spread Beyond the sphere of sound, th' indignant brow, The stately waving of the arm discours'd, Flow'd argument from every comely limb, And the whole man was eloquence. From cliff, [140] From bark gaz'd Uther's soldiery, one voice Held in suspense the wild and busy war, And on the motion of his lips, the fate Of two strong armies hung. Anon the gate Flew up, the bridge lay shuddering o'er the chasm. [145]
Forth Samor comes, a Lady by his side, And Gorlois in the garb of peace behind. Tremblingly she came gliding on, and smooth, As the west wind o'er beds of flowers, a child Was with her: the cool freshness of the air [150] Seem'd o'er her marble cheek a flush unus'd To breathe, and human faces o'er her threw A modest, faint disturbance. Uther rush'd To meet her, ere he came her failing frame Seem'd as it sougth some breast to sink upon, [155] Though feebly resolute, that none but his Should be the chosen resting place. But he Severe withheld her. -- "Can the snowdrop bloom Untainted on the hemlock bank, near thee, Igerna, long hath trail'd a venomous plant, [160] Hast thou the sullying influence scap'd?" -- She strove To work displeasure to her brow, the joy, The fondness would not give it place; she held Her boy on high, she pointed from the lines Of his soft face to Uther's, with appeal [165] Half rapture, half reproach, and cast herself With timid boldness on her rightful couch, Her husband's bosom, that receiv'd her in, Even as the opening clouds an angel home Returning. But the joyous boy relax'd [170] His features to a beautiful delight; To the fierce Dragon on his father's helm Lifting his sportive hand, and smoothing down The horrent scales, and looking with glad eye Into the fiery hollow of his jaws. [175]
Mute lay the armies, the pale Gorlois wrought His features to a politic joy, alone Stood Samor and aloof, he stood in tears. Samor, amid the plain of buried men Tearless, and in his own deserted home, [180] In tears unveil'd before th' assembled camp; It was so like a meeting after death, That union of the husband and the wife, So ghostly, so unearthly. Thus shall meet The disembodied, Emeric and himself, [185] Not with rude rocks their footing, the cold airs And cloudy sunshine of this world around. But all of life must intervene, and all The long dark grave mysterious; yet even here It was a sweet impossibility, [190] Wherewith at times his soul mad dalliance held, An earthly, bodily, sensible caress, Even long and rapturous, as that hanging now On Uther's neck from soft Igerna's arms.
Upon the silence burst a voice, that cried [195] "Arthur," whereat the child his sport broke off With that embossed serpent, and stretch'd out His arms, where, on the fragment of a rock, Stood Merlin. "Arthur, hail! hail, fatal Boy, Bright arrow from the bow of Destiny, [200] Go forth upon thy fiery course! the steeds Are in the meadows, that shall bear thee forth, Thee and thy barded chivalry! the spears Are forg'd wherewith in tourney and in fight Ye shall o'erbear the vaunting Saxon! shields [205] Are stamping with your bright devices bold; And Bards are leaning on their high-strung harps, Awaiting thee, to flower out in their boon And ripe fertility of song. Go forth, Strong reaper in the harvest of renown, [210] Arthur! the everlasting Lord of Fate Hath summon'd thee to thy immortal race!"
The infant clapp'd his hands, Pendragon flung Aloft his scaly bickering crest, her child Igerna folded to her heart, and wept. [215] And forward leap'd the Avenger to salute Snowdon's dark Prophet, Merlin was not there.
Good fortune on good fortune followeth fast; Tidings come rapid of a Breton fleet Seen on the southern shore; the Chiefs are past [220] To where th' Archangel's Mount o'erlooks the sea.
Oh go not to thy couch, thou bright hair'd Sun! Though Ocean spread its welcoming breast, yet pause 'Mid that etherial architecture wrought Around thee by thine own creative light. [225] How broad the over-vaulting palace arch Spreads up the heavens with amethyst ciel'd, and hung With an enwoven tapestry of flame, Wav'd over by long banner and emblaz'd, Like hall of old barbaric Potentate, [230] With scutcheon and with shield, that now unfold, Now in their cloudy texture shift; and paved With watery mosaic rich, the waves Quick glancing, like a floating surface, laid With porphyry and crystal interwrought. [345] There's yet a sight, oh Sun! to check awhile Thy setting; lo, the failing breezes lift The white wings of that fair Armoric fleet To catch the level lines of light; the oars Flash up the spray, that purples as it falls: [240] While wearing one by one, their armed freight They cast out on the surfy beach. The Kings, King Emrys and Armoric Hoel meet Pendragon, Samor, and their band of chiefs.
There meet they on the land's extremest verge [245] To conquer, to deliver, few, but strong, Strong in the sinews of the soul; as rose The giant wrestler from his mother's breast, Earth-born Anteus, his huge limbs refresh'd For the Herculean combat, so shall ye, [250] Kings, Chiefs, and Warriors, from your native soil Draw to the immortal faculties of mind A springtide everlasting and unchang'd. The armour of a holy cause outshines The iron or the knosped brass, and hopes [255] And memories to the home-returning brave Crowding from every speck of sacred earth, Outplead the trumpet's wakening blast, till leaps Vengeance to Glory's vanguard post, and leads The onset, and looks proudly down to see [260] The red blood deepening round her laving feet.
Alas, that in your harvest of high thoughts, Thick set with golden promise of renown, The poppy seeds of envy and distrust Should take their baleful root. Slow winds along [265] Gorlois, the sower of that noxious crop, Scattering it with careless toil; now stands By royal Emrys' side, now mines beneath Pendragon's towery soul, now sadly warns With cautious words and dark speech broken off, [270] Hoel, the crown'd Armorican; his looks Belying his feign'd confidence of speech, But half surmising fear, and killing hope By his cold care of keeping it alive.
"Not that I love not, whom all love, admire [275] On whom the admiration of all hearts Falls with such free profusion, 'tis no shame For us mean lamps before great Samor's light To wane and glimmer in our faint eclipse. Yet whence this fettering of all eyes and hearts? [280] This stern unsocial solitude of fame? True, from that fatal banquet 'scap'd he, true Undaunted hath he rov'd the isle, nor doubt From some high purpose, that 'twere rash for us To search our with our dim and misty sight; [285] Nor think, King Emrys, I thy crown assert Unstably set upon thy royal brow, But there's a dazzling in its jewel'd round Might tempt a less self-mastering grasp. Who holds The souls of men in thraldom with his tongue, [290] Makes bridges grow before him, stony walls Break up to give him way, -- I speak not now In vengeance of Tintagel, 'twas a deed Most worth my richest praise, that made me friend To brave Pendragon. But ambition wreck'd [295] The angels, and the climbing soul of man Hath sinn'd for meaner gain than Britain's throne." --
So one by one he wound his serpent coil Around the Chieftains souls; and inly breath'd The creeping venom. But Pendragon's heart, [300] Too fiery or too noble to suspect, In Samor's teeth flung fierce th' oppressive doubt: Th' Avenger's tranquil smile was like the change Of aspect in a green and lofty tree, Touch'd by the wings of some faint breeze, nor shakes [305] The massy foliage, nor is quite at rest, While languidly the undisturbing air Falls away and expires. "Will Emrys hold At midnight on St. Michael's Mount, his pomp Of coronation? Samor will be there." [310] "At midnight!" -- "Aye, the fires will gaily blaze, The silent air is meet for solemn oaths." -- The night is starless, soft and still, the heavens O'erwoven with a thin and rayless mist; A long low heavy sound of breaking surge [315] Roams down the shore, and now and then the woods Flutter and bend with one short rush of wind. The tide hath risen o'er the stony belt, That to the mainland links the Mount, where meet Even now the Chieftains, ocean all around, [320] On every side the white and moaning waves. On the bare summit, 'neath the cope of heaven, The conclave stands, bare, save a lofty pile Of wood compacted like funereal pyre Of a departed hero in old time On some Ægean promontory rear'd, Or by the Black Inhospitable Sea.
The crown is on king Emry's head, his hair Is redolent with the anointing oil. "Hail, King of Britain!" -- Samor cried, and "Hail!" Replied that band of heroes; Hail! the shores [330] Echoed, from bark and tent came pealing up The universal Hail, the ocean waves Broke in with their hoarse murmur of applause.
"Air, earth, and waters, ye have play'd your part, [335] There's yet another elemnt," -- cried aloud Samor, and in the pyre he cast a brand. A moment, and uprush'd the giant fire, Piercing the dim heavens with its blazing brow, And on the still air shakings its red locks. [340] There by its side the Vassals and their King, Motionless on their shadows huge and dun, Show'd like destroying Angels, round enwrap'd In their careering pomp of flame; far flash'd The yellow midnight day o'er shore and sea: [345] The waves now ruddy heav'd, now darkly plung'd, Upon the rocks, within the wavering light Strong featur'd faces fierce, and hard-lin'd forms Broke out and disappear'd; the anchor'd fleet Were laving their brown sides in rainbow spray. [350] No sound was heard, but the devouring flame, And the thick plashing waters. -- "Keep your faith, (Cried Samor) ye eternal hills, and ye Heaven-neighbouring mountains!" -- Eastward far anon Another fire rose furious up, behind [355] Another and another: all the hills Each behind each held up its crest of flame; Along the heavens the bright and crimson hue Widening and deepening travels on, the range O'erleaps black Tamar, by whose ebon tide [360] Cornwall is bounded, and on Heytor rock, Above the stony moorish source of Dart, It waves a sanguine standard; Haldon burns, And the Red City glows a deeper hue; [NOTE 14] And all the southern rocks, the moorland downs [365] In those portentous characters of flame Discourse, and bear the glaring legend on, Even to the graves on Ambri plain, where woke That pallid woman, and rejoic'd, and deem'd 'Twas sent to guide her to the tomb she sought. [370] Fast flash they up, those altars of revenge, As the snake-tressed Sister torch-bearers, Th' Eumenides, from the Tartarian depths Were leaping on from hill to hill, on each Leaving the tracks of their flame-dropping feet. [375] Or as the souls of the dead fathers, wrapt In bright meteorous grave-clothes, had arisen, And each sate crowning his accustom'd hill, Silent and radiant: or as th' isle devote Had wrought down by her bold and frequent guilt [380] Th' Almighty's lightning shafts, now numberless Forth raining from the lurid reeking clouds, And smiting all the heights. On spreads the train, Northward it breaks upon the Quantock ridge, It reddens on the Mendip forests dark, [385] It looks into the cavern'd Cheddar cliffs, The boatman on the Severn mouth awakes And sees the waters rippling round his keel In spots and streaks of purple light, each shore Ablaze with all its answering hills; the streams [390] Run glittering down Plinlimmon's side, though thick And moonless the wan night: and Idris stands Like Stromboli or Ætna, where 'twas feign'd E'er at their flashing furnace wrought the Sons Of Vulcan, forging with eternal toil [395] Jove's never idle thunderbolts. And thou, Snowdon, the king of mountains, art not dark Amid thy vassal brethren gleaming bright. Is it to welcome thy returning Seer, That thus above thy clouds, above thy snows [400] Thou wear'st that wreathed diadem of fire, As to outshine the pale and winking stars? O'er Menai's waters blue the gleaming spreads, The Bard on Mona's secret grove beholds A glitter on his harp-strings, and looks out [405] Upon the kindling cliffs of Penmanmawr. Is it a pile of martyrdom above Clwyd's green vale? beside the embers bright Stands holy Germain, as a Saint new come From the pure mansions of beautitude, [410] The centre of a glory, that spreads round Its film of thin pellucid gold. Nor there Pauses the restless Messenger, still on Vaults it from rock to rock, from peak to peak. Far seen it shimmer'd on Caer-Ebranc wall, [415] And Malwyn blew a bugle blast for joy. The sun uprising sees the dusk night fled Already from tall Pendle, and the height Of Ingleborough, sees Helvellyn cast A meteor splendour on the mountain lakes, [420] Like mirrors of the liquid molten brass. The brightest and the broadest and the last, There flakes the beacon glare, and in the midst Dashing the ruddy sparkles to and fro With the black remnant of pine-tree stem, [425] Stands arm'd from head to foot Prince Vortimer.
BOOK XI.
Mighty in thy endurance, in revenge Mightier! thou shak'st thy dusky patience off, Oh Britain! as a snake its wither'd skin, That boastful to the sunshine coils and spreads In bright and cruel beauty. Not in vain [5] Have those wild beacons rear'd their fires, thou wak'st, The slumber falls from thee, as dewdrops shed From the morn-kindling falcon's wing. On hill, In vale, in forest and in moor, in field And city, like the free and common air, [10] Like the wide-spreading golden hue of dawn, Ranges the boundless passion uncontroll'd. The "Vigilance," hath drop'd absorb'd away From the fierce war-cry, one portending word "Vengeance," rides lonely upon all the winds. [15]
Alas, delicious Spring! God sends thee down To breathe upon his cold and perish'd works Beauteous revival; earth should welcome thee, Thee and the West wind, thy smooth paramour, With the soft laughter of her flowery meads, [20] Her joys, her melodies. The prancing stag Flutters the shivering fern, the steed shakes out His mane, the dewy herbage silver-webb'd With frank step trampling; the wild goat looks down From his empurpling bed of heath, where break [25] The waters deep and blue with crystal gleams Of their quick leaping people: the fresh lark Is in the morning sky, the nightingale Tunes evesong to the dropping waterfall. Creation lives with loveliness, all melts [30] And trembles into one mild harmony. Man, only harsh and inharmonious Man, Strews for thy delicate feet the battle field, Makes all thy smooth and flowing airs to jar With his hoarse trumpetings, scares thy sweet light [35] With gleams of violent and angry brass.
Away! it is a yearly common joy, A rapture that ne'er fails the solemn Sun In his eternal round, the blossoming And fragrance of the green resolving earth. [40] But a fresh springtide in the human soul, A nation from its wintry trance set loose, The bursting ice of servitude, the bloom Of freedom in the wither'd mind obscure, The bleakness of the heart discomfited, [45] And over the bow'd shape and darkling brow The flowering out of faded glories, sounds Of cheering and of comfort to the rent And broken by the tyrannous northern blast, These are earth's rich adornings, these the choice [50] Of nature's bounteous, and inspiring shows. Therefore the young Sun with his prime of light Shall beam on ensigns; the blithe airs shall waft Jocund the lofty pealing battle words; And not unwelcome, fierce crests intercept [55] The spring-dews from the thirsty soil; the brass For vestment the admiring earth shall wear More proud than all her flowery robe of green.
In all the isle was flat subjection tame, In all the isle, hath Freedom rear'd her, plum'd [60] With terror, sandal'd with relentlessness: Her march like brazen chariots, or the tramp Of horsemen in a rocky glen; and clouds Of javelins in her front, and in her rear Dead men in grisly heaps, dead Saxons strewn [65] Upon their trampled White Horse banners: them Her fury hath no time to scorn, no pause To look back on her deathful deeds atchiev'd, While aught remains before her to atchieve. Distract amid the wide spread feast of blood, [70] The wandering raven knows not where to feed, And the gorg'd vulture droops his wing and sleeps.
War hath the garb of holiness, bear proof, Thou vale of Clwyd, to our cold late days, By the embalming of tradition named, [75] Maes Garmon, of that saintly Bishop. He His gray thin locks unshaken, his slow port Calm as he trod a chapel's rush-strewn floor, Comes foremost of his Christian mountaineers, Against th' embattled Pagans fierce array. [80] By the green margin of the stream, the band Of Arngrim glitter in the morning light. Their shadowy lances line the marble stream With long and level rules of trembling shade; The sunshine falling in between in streaks [85] Of brightness. They th' unwonted shew of war Behold slow winding down the wooded hill.
"Now by our Gods," cried Arngrim, "discontent To scare our midnight with their insolent fires, They break upon our calm and peaceful day." [90] But silent as the travel of the clouds At breathless twilight, or a flock that winds, Dappling the brown cliff with its snowy specks, Foldward along the evening dews, a bell Now and then tinkling, faintly shrill, come on [95] Outspreading on the meadow the stern band Of Britons with their mitred Captain; front Oppos'd to front they stand, and spear to spear. Then Germain clasp'd his hands and look'd to heaven, Then Germain in a deep and solemn tone [100] Cried "Alleluia!" answer was flung back: From cliff and cavern, "Alleluia," burst; It seem'd strong voices broke the bosom'd earth, Dropt voices from the clouds, and in the rush Of waters was an human clamour, far [105] [NOTE 15] Swept over all things in its boundless range The scattering and discomfiting appeal: 'Twas shaken from the shivering forest leaves, Ceaseless and countless, lifeless living things [110] Multiplied "Alleluia," all the air Was that one word, all sounds became that sound, As the broad lightning swallows up all lights, All quench'd in one blue universal glare.
On rush'd the Britons, but 'gainst the flying foes, [115] Quick smote the Britons, but no breast plate clove Before them, then the ignominous death First through the back found way to Saxon hearts.
Oh, Suevian forests! Clwyd's vale beholds What ye have never witnessed, Arngrim's flight -- [120] Fleet huntsman, thou art now the deer, the herd, Whereof thou wert the prime and lofty horn'd, Are falling fast around thee, th' unleash'd dogs Of havock on their reeking flanks, and thee, The herdsman of the meek and peaceful goats, [125] Thee, the soft tuner of the reedy flute Beside Nantfrangon's stony cataract, Mordrin pursues. So strong that battle word, Its holy transmutation and austere Works in the soul of man, the spirit sheathes [130] In the thrice folding brass of valour, swells The thin and lazy blood t' a current fierce And torrent like, and in the breast erewhile But open to the tremulous melting airs Of passions gentle and affections smooth, [135] Plants armed hopes and eagle-wing'd desires. Therefore that youth his downy hand hath wreath'd In the strong Suevian's knotted locks, drawn up Like a wrought helm of ebon; therefore fix His eyes, more us'd to swim in languid light, [140] With an implacable and constant stare Down on the face of Arngrim, backward drawn, As he its withering agony enjoy'd; And therefore he whose wont it was to bear The many sparkling crystal, or the cup [145] Of dripping water lily from the spring To the blithe maiden of his love, now shakes A gory and dissever'd head aloft, And bounds in wild ovation down the vale.
But in that dire and beacon haunted night [150] King Vortigern his wonted seat had ta'en Upon Caermerdhyn's topmost palace tower. There, the best privilege of greatness fall'n, He saw not, nor was seen: there wrapt in gloom, 'Twas his soul's treasur'd luxury and choice joy [155] To frame out of himself and his drear state, Dark comfortable likenesses, and full And frequent throng'd they this wild midnight. All Cloudy and indistinct lay round; the sole Dull glimmering like to light was what remain'd [160] Of day, just not so utterly extinct And quench'd, as yet to shew splendour had been, And was not; that dusk simile of himself Delighted, royal once, now with a mock And mimic of his lustre haunted. Why, [165] Why should not human glory wane, since clouds Put out the immortal planets in the sky? Why should not crowns have seasons, since the moon Hath but her hour to queen it in the heavens? Why should not high and climbing souls be lost [170] In the benighting shroud of the world's gloom? Lo, one inglorious, undistinguish'd night Gathers the ancient mountains in its train, While e'er the dunnest and most turbulent clouds Thicken upon the stateliest; but beneath [175] The lowly and contented waters lie Asleep upon their weedy banks, yet they Have all the faint blue brightness that remains. Then moodier the fantastic humour grown, Stoop'd upon mean and trivial things, them too [180] Wrought to his wayward misanthropic scope. Amid the swaying, and disturbed air The rooks hung murmuring on the oak-tree tops, As plaining their uneasy loftiness. While, solitary as himself, the owl [185] Sate calling on its deaf and wandering mate. Him at that sound seiz'd merriment, that made The lip drop, the brow writhe, "Howl on," he cried, "Howl for thy dusky paramour," -- and turn'd To where Rowena's chamber casements stood, [190] Void, silent, dark of their once-brilliant lights.
Sudden around 'gan spire the mountain tops Each with its intertwisted sheaf of flame, South, North, and East and West, fire everywhere, Everywhere flashing and tumultuous light. [195] Then gaz'd the unking'd, then cried out the fallen, "Now, by my soul, when comets gaze on kings Even from the far and vaulting heavens, 'tis faith There's hollowness beneath their tottering thrones; But when they flash upon our earth, and stare [200] Close in our faces, 'tis ripe time and full For palaces to quake and royal tombs To ope their wide and all-receiving jaws. What is't to me? ye menace at the Great! Ye stoop not to be dangerous and dread, [205] Oh haughty and mysterious lights! to thrones Low and despis'd like mine; in earlier days Vortigern would have quail'd, he mocks you now. Ye are not of the heavens, I know, I see, Discomfiters of darkness, Conquerors [210] Of midnight, ye are of the earth. Why stands Caermerdhyn and the realm of Dyfed black Amid this restless multitude of flame? 'Tis not for idle or for fruitless show That with such splendid violation Man [215] Infringeth on stern nature's laws, and rends From night her consecrate and ancient pall; Samor, thy hand is there! and Vortigern Hath not yet learnt the patience cold and tame To be outblaz'd and stifled thus." -- Down past [220] The Monarch from his seat; few minutes fled, And lo, within that Palace all look'd red, And hurried with a deep confusing glare: And over it a vaulting dome of smoke Surging arose and vast, till roaring out [225] Columns of mounting fire sprung up, and all Whelm'd in one broad envelopment of flame, Stood; as when in heroic Pagan song Apollo to his Clarian temple came; At once the present Godhead kindled all [230] Th' elaborate architecture, glory-wreath'd The pillars rose, the sculptur'd architrave Swam in the liquid gold, the Worshipper Within the vestible of marble pure, Held up his hand before his blinded eyes, [235] And so ador'd: but th' unconsuming fire Innoxious rang'd th' unparching edifice. But ne'er was Palace or was Monarch seen More in that city, one a smouldering heap Lay in its ashes white; how went the King [240] And whither, no one knew, but He who knows All things. 'Twas frequent in the vulgar tale, None saw it, yet all knew them well that saw, [NOTE 16] At midnight manifest a huge arm came Forth from the welkin; once it wav'd and twice, [245] And then it was not: but a bolt thrice fork'd, Each fork a spike of flame, burst on the roof, And all became a fire, and all fell down And smoulder'd, even as now the shapeless walls Lie in scorch'd heaps and black. At that same hour [250] A dark steed and a darker rider past, With speed bemocking mortal steed, or man, Down the steep hill precipitous: 'twas like In shape and hue black Favorin, on whose back King Vortigern was wont to ride abroad; [255] Like, surely not the same, for fire came out From under his quick hoofs, and in his breath, And sulphurous the blasted foot-tracks smelt, Some dinted deep in the hard rock, some seared On meadow grass, where never since have dews [260] Lain glittering, never the fresh verdure sprung.
Now is the whole Isle war. But I must crave Pardon from those in meaner conflict slain, Or conquerors; Poesy's fair treasure house Contains not all the bright and rich, that gem [265] The course of humankind; in heaven alone Preserves enroll'd th' imperishable brass, In letters deep of amaranthine light, All martyrs to their country and their God.
Oh that my spirit, holding the broad glass [270] Of its invention, might at once condense All rays of glory from the kindling Isle Full emanating, as of old 'tis famed The philosophic Syracusan caught The wide diverging sunbeams, by the force [275] Of mind creating to himself a right And property in nature's common gifts, And domineering the free elements. He that heaven-seiz'd artillery pour'd forth To sear the high beaks of the 'sieging fleet, [280] That burnt, unknowing whence, 'mid the wet waves.
So I the fine immortal light would pour Abroad, in the long after-time to beam A consecrate and vestal fire, to guide Through danger's precipices wild, the slopes [285] Sleepy and smooth of luxury and false bliss, All lovers of their country. They my song Embosoming within their heart of heart, Like mine own Samor should bear on, too strong To perish, and too haughty to despair. [290] They happier, he uprearing on the sand A Pharos, steady for a while to stem The fierce assaulting waves, in after times To fall; they building for eternity Britain's rock-founded temple of renown. [295]
In the Isle's centre is a champain broad, Now broken into cornfield and smooth mead, Near which a hill, now with the ruin'd towers Of Coningsborough (from that fight of Kings Nam'd in old Saxon phrase), soars crested, Dune [300] Skirts with her azure belt the level plain.
Morn dawn'd with all her attributes, the slow Impearling of the heavens, the sparkling white On the webb'd grass, the fragrant mistiness, The fresh airs with the twinkling leaves at sport, [305] And all the gradual and emerging light, The crystalline distinctness settling clear, And all the wakening and the strengthening sound.
There dawn'd she on a battle-field superb. The beauty that is war's embellishment, [310] The splendour under whose quick-glancing pall Man proudly moves to slay and to be slain, How wonderful! In semicircle huge, Round that hill foot, the Saxon camps his strength, A many-colour'd dazzling cirque, more rich [315] Than the autumnal woods, when the quick winds Shake on them broken sunlight, than the skies When thunder clouds are bursting into light, And rainbow skirted hangs each fold, or fring'd With liquid gold, so wav'd that crescent broad [320] With moving fire, bloom'd all the field with brass: Making of dread volumptuousness, the sense Of danger in deep admiration lost -- Oh beauteous if that morning had no eve!
The Eastern horn, his tall steeds to his car [325] Harness'd, whose scythes shone newly burnish'd, held Caswallon; he his painted soldiery, Their naked breasts blue-gleaming with uncouth And savage portraitures of hideous things, Human and monstrous terribly combin'd, [330] Array'd; himself no armour of defence Cumber'd, as he were one Death dare not slay, A being from man's vulgar lot exempt, Commission'd to destroy, yet dangerless Amid destruction, against whom war shower'd [335] All its stor'd terrors, but still baffled back Recoil'd from his unwounded front serene.
The centre were the blue-eyed Germans, loose Their fierce hair, various each strong nation's arms, A wild and terrible diversity [340] In the fell skill of slaughter, in the art Of doing sacrifice to death. Some helm'd, Whose visors like distended jaws appear'd Of sylvan monster, some in brinded furs Wrapt shaggy, on whose shoulders seem'd to ramp [345] Yet living the fix'd claws; with cross-bows some, Some with long lances, some with falchions curv'd. The Arian, wont to make the sable night A pander to his terrors, in swarth arms [NOTE 17] He bursting from the forest, when the shades [350] Were deepest, like embodied gloom advanc'd, Shap'd for some dreadful purpose, now he mov'd Unnatural 'mid the clear and golden day. Here Hengist, Horsa there amid the troop Wound their war-horses; he his weapon fell [355] Shook, a round ball of iron spikes chain'd loose To a huge pike-stave, like a baleful star, Aye gleaming devastation in its sweep; Hengist begirt with that fam'd falchion call'd The "Widower of Women;" over all [360] The fatal White Horse in the banner shone. Round to the left Argantyr with the Jutes And Anglians; these for Offa's slaughter wild T' exact the usurious payment of revenge; He sternly mindful of that broken fight [365] By Wye's clear stream, and his defrauded sword Of its hope-promis'd banquet, Samor's blood. Above the multitude of brass the heights Were crowded with the wives and mothers, they [NOTE 18] With their known presence working shame of flight, [370] And the high fear of being thought to fear. With them the spoils of Britain, vessels carv'd, Statues, and vestments of the Tyrian dye, Standards with antique legend scroll'd of deeds Done in old times, and gorgeous arms, and cups [375] And lamps, and plate, or by fantastic art Minister'd to fond luxury's wayward choice, Or consecrate to th' altar use of God.
And there the Saxon Gods, the wood and stone Whereto that people knelt, and deified [380] Their own hands work; the Father of the race Woden, all arm'd and crown'd; the tempest Lord, The thunder-shaking Thor, twelve radiant stars [NOTE 19] His coronet, and sceptred his right hand. He on his stately couch reclining; fierce [385] In his mysterious multitude of signs, Arminsul; and th' Unnameable, he fix'd [NOTE 20] On his flint pedestal, his skeleton shape Garmented scantly in a winding sheet, And in his hand a torchblaze, meet to search [390] Earth's utmost, while in act to spring, one hand Upon his head, upon his shoulder one, His faithful Lion ramp'd in sculptur'd ire.
Southward, with crescent its out-stretching horns Circling the foe, lay stretch'd the British camp; [395] The centre held King Emrys, on the right Pendragon, on the left th' Armoric King, With all his tall steeds and brave riders, they The fathers of that fam'd chivalric race Of knights and ladies, glorious in old song, [400] White handed Iseult, Launcelot of the Lake, Chaste Perceval, that won the Sangreal quest.
But every where and in all parts alike The Avenger held his post; all heard his voice, All felt his presence, all obey'd his sway. [405] As western hurricane whirls up from earth, And bears where'er it will, the loose-sheaf'd corn, The fluttering leaves, the shatter'd forest boughs, Even so his spirit seiz'd and bore along, And swept with it those proud brigades. Nor there [410] Was not young Malwyn, he his helmet wore Light shadow'd by an eagle plume, so sued His sire, lest in the wildering battle met Their cars should clash in impious strife, nor sought The father more obedience from the son, [415] For Britain and with Samor fix'd to war. And in his brown and weather beaten arms Came Vortimer, a pine-tree stem his mace That clove the air with desultory sweep. But by the river brows'd a single steed, [420] Sable as one of that poetic pair, On the fair plain of Enna, in the yoke Of Pluto, when Proserpina let fall From her soft lap her flowers, and mourn'd their loss Lavish, nor for herself reserv'd her tears. [425] The horseman, not unlike that ravisher, Wore kingly aspect, and his step and mien Were as his realm were in a gloomier clime, Amid a drearier atmosphere, 'mid things Sluggish and melancholy, slow and dead. [430] As though disclaimed by each, and claiming none, He lay, with cold impartial apathy Eying both armies, as their fates to him Were equal, and not worth the toil of hope.
But over either army silence hung, [435] Silence long, heavy, deep, as every heart Were busied with eternity; all thoughts Were bidding farewell to the Sun, whose rise They saw, whose setting they might never see, And all the heavens were thinly overdrawn [440] With light and golden clouds, as though to couch The angels and the spirits floating there, While Heaven the lucid hierarchy pour'd forth To view that solemn spectacle beneath, A battle waged for freedom and for faith. [445]
First rose a clamour and a crowding rush On the hill side, and an half-stifled cry, "The Prophetess! the Prophetess!" was heard. Upon a waggon, 'mid her idol Gods, She of the seal'd lip and the haunted heart, [450] The aged Virgin sate; her thin gray hair [NOTE 21] And hollow eyes in a strange sparkling steep'd: Twice in the memory of the oldest spake Her voice, when Gothic Alaric had set His northern ensign on Rome's shatter'd walls, [455] That day along the linden shadow'd Elbe She went, with bitter smile and broken song That mock'd at grandeur fall'n and pride in dust. Once more, when Vortigern in that fam'd feast Crown'd the fierce Hengist; in the German woods [460] She roam'd, with lofty and triumphal tone, Shrieking of sceptres dancing in her sight, And Woden's sons endiadem'd that rose And swept and glitter'd past her. Now with eye Restless, and churning lip she sate, and thrice [465] She mutter'd -- "Flight! Flight! Flight!" Then look'd she out Upon the orient Sun, and cried, "Down! down!" -- The westward turn'd she, and withdrew her hand, From dallying with her loose and hanging chin, And beckon'd to the faint remaining haze [470] Of twilight. "Back, fair darkness, beauteous gloom, Back!" Still the Sun came on, the shades dispell'd. Then rose she up, then on the vacant space Between both armies fix'd her eye; half laugh, Half agony her cheek relax'd. -- "I see, [475] I see ye, ye Invisible! I hear, Soundless, I hear ye! Choosers of the slain! Ye of the white forms hors'd on thunder clouds! Ye of Valhalla! colourless as air, As air impalpable! wind on and urge [480] Your sable and self-govern'd steeds; They come, They whom your mantling hydromel awaits, Whose cups are crown'd, the guests of this night's feast. They come, they come, for whom the Gods shall leap From their cloud thrones, and ask ye whom ye bring In stern troops crowding to their secret joy." [486] She shook her low dropt lip, and thus went on: "The bow is broken, and the shafts are snapt; The lance is shiver'd, and the buckler rent; The helm is cloven, and the plumes are shed; [490] The horse hath founder'd, and the rider fallen; The Crown'd are crownless, kingdomless the Kings; The Conquerors conquer'd, and the Slayers slain; One falls not, but he shall not stand, the axe Shall glean th' imperfect harvest of the sword; [495] The scaffold drinks the lees of battle's cup; And one is woundless amid myriad wounds, And one is wounded where there is but one. Ho, for the broad-horn'd Elk that leads the herd! Ho, for the Pine that tops the shattering wood! Ho, for the Bark that Admirals all the fleet! The herd is scatter'd, and the Elk unscath'd, The wood is levell'd, upright is the Pine, The fleet is wreck'd, the Admiral on the waves. That Elk is in himself a sacrifice, [505] That Pine shall have a storm its own, that Bark Shall perish in a solitary wreck, A sacrifice of shame! a storm of dread! A bitter ignominious solitude!" --
She had not ended, when a single steed [510] Burst furious from the British line, with flight That had a tread of air, and not of earth. Fierce and direct he whirl'd to the hot charge His youthful Rider. Upright sate the Boy Arthur, at first with half reverted look, [515] As to his mother to impart his joy, His transport. Early, oh fame-destin'd Child, Put'st thou thy sickle in the field of fame. Over his head a dome of fiery darts And cross-bow bolts vault o'er th' encumber'd air. [520] Yet forward swept the child his rapid charge, And all at once to rescue all the Chiefs Rush'd onward; Uther's dragon seem'd to sear The winds with its hot waving, Emrys struck His coursers reeking flanks, his weapon huge [525] Rear'd Vortimer, and Malwyn's wheels 'gan whirl. And on the other side Argantyr tall, Hengist and Horsa, all the titled brave, Burst from their tardy lines, that vast behind Came rolling in tumultuous order on; [530] As when at spring time under the cold pole Two islands high of ice warp heavy and huge Upon the contrary currents, first th' assault The promontories break, till meet the whole With one long crash, that wakes the silence, there [535] Seated since time was born, far off and wide Rock'd by the conflict fierce old ocean boils.
Still th' upright Child seem'd only to rejoice In the curvettings of his wanton steed, And in the mingled dazzling of bright arms. [540] But over him a shield is spread, before A sword is wav'd, on every side the shield Dashes rude death aside, whirls every where The rapid and unwearied sword; the rein Of the fleet steed hath Samor grasp'd, and guides [545] Amid the turmoil. As when the eagle sire Up in the sunshine leads his daring young, Sometimes the dusk shade of his wing spreads o'er, And soft and broken in through the thick plumes Gleams the unblinding splendour. So secure [550] Wag'd that fair Child his early war. But wild The wavering fray rock'd to and fro, and burnt Like one huge furnace the quick-flashing plain. Ever as 'twere the same the Apostle saw In the Apocalypse, Death's own pale steed, [555] Over the broad fight shook the White Horse, spread Where'er its gleaming lighten'd the dun gloom, Steamy and vast the curdling slaughter pools. And such confusion burst around of lines Mingling and interchanging, Valour found [560] No space for proud selection, forc'd to strike What cumber'd and obstructed its free path, To hew out through a mass of vulgar life A passage to some princely foe; twice met Horsa and Vortimer, Argantyr twice [565] Smote at Pendragon, but the whirlpool fierce Asunder swept them, and the deep of war Swallow'd them; many a broad and shapeless chasm Was rent in either battle, but new fronts Rush'd in, and made the shiver'd surface whole. [570] The sun was shut out by a sphere of dust That wrapt the tumult, 'twas no sight for Heaven That rending and defacing its prime work, That waste of man, its masterpiece. But far Th' Avenger had borne off the Child, his steed [575] First drew his breath before Igerna's tent.
With her soft face upon the dust she lay, Struggling to hush her own lament, in hope From the fierce din of war might haply come Some sound of cheer and comfort; but when full [580] It rush'd upon her hearing, loud she shriek'd To drown the very noise she strove to hear. But when her Child's voice sounded, she look'd up With a cold glance which said, "That sound I've heard Every sad moment since he went, my soul [585] Is sick of self-deception, will not trust Again, to be again beguil'd." She saw, And forc'd a sportive look to her sad face To lure him to her snowy arms. While he Back to the battle, as a scene of joy, [590] Look'd waywardly, she clasp'd him to her breast With a fond anger, and both smil'd and wept. A moment Samor gaz'd on her, and -- "All All have their hopes, and all those hopes fulfill'd, But I, this side the grave no hope for me [595] And no fulfillment." -- Fast as sight could track The battle felt him in its thousand folds.
But the undistinguish'd and chance-mingled fight Brook'd not young Malwyn; he his virgin shield Disdain'd mean blood should stain: where Hengist fought He swept, the Saxon saw the eagle plume. [601] And turn'd aloof, and on some other head Discharg'd the blow for him uprear'd. But he Next plung'd where Horsa's starlike weapon shone, Disastrous, shaking ruin, yet even that [605] Glanc'd aside from the eagle plume. The Boy Utter'd a wrathful disappointed cry, And 'gainst Argantyr drove his car. He paus'd, And cried aloud, "The eagle plume," and plung'd Elsewhere for victims. That Pendragon heard, [610] Even as he toil'd the third time to make way Amid' the circling slain to the Anglian crest, And taunting thus, -- "Methinks the eagle plume Hath some few feathers of the dove, so soft Spreads its peace-breathing influence." But the Youth, "Ha, Father! thus, thus guil'st thou to a faint [616] And infamous security thy son? Thus enviest thou a noble foe? thus guard'st With a base privilege from peril? Off Coward distinction! off, faint hearted sign!" And helm and plume away he rent, his hair [620] Curl'd down his shoulders, radiant on his brow The beauty of his anger shone, the pride Of winning thus a right to glorious death. Then set he forth on his bold quest again [625] Impatient. Him Prince Vortimer beheld Sweeping between himself and Horsa, met Their sea-shore fight by Thanet to renew; But something of his sister in his face, Something of Lilian harden'd and grown fierce, [630] As that ungodly creed were true, and she Familiar to rude deeds of blood, had come One of Valhalla's airy sisters hence To summon him she lov'd. That gleam of her, That though ungentle and unfeminine touch, [635] Exquisite, in mid air his rugged mace Suspended; but fierce Horsa on the Boy, Just on his neck, let fall the fatal spikes, And him the affrighted steeds bore off. But then Began a combat over which Death seem'd [640] To hover, as of one assur'd, in hope Of both for victims at his godless shrine.
Then wounded and bareheaded Malwyn urged On Hengist his remaster'd steeds, the scythe Ras'd his majestic war horse. But aside [645] He sprung, and flank'd the chariot; long the strife, Long, though unequal, like a serpent's tongue Vibrated Malwyn's battle axe, twice bow'd The Monarch to his saddle bow. -- 'Twas fame More splendid, thus with Hengist to have fought [650] Than to have conquer'd hosts of meaner men. Heavy at length and fatal glided in The wily Chief's eluding falchion stroke; Fast flew the steeds, the master lay behind, Dragging with his face downward, still the reins [655] Cling in his cold and failing fingers, trail His neck and spread locks in the humid dust, His sharp arms character the yielding sand. On fly they, him at length deserting mute And gasping on the bank, their hot hoofs plunge [660] Into the limpid Dune, and to the wood Rove on. It chanc'd erewhile that thither came To freshen with the water his spent steeds, And lave the clogging carnage from his wheels, Caswallon, he his huge and weary length [665] Cast for brief rest upon the bank; a groan Came from a helmless head that in the grass Lay undistinguish'd. "'Tis a Briton," cried Caswallon, "cast the carrion off to feed The dogs and kites, that thus irreverent breaks [670] Upon its monarch's rest." Even as a flower, Poppy or hyacinth, on its broken stem, Languidly raises its encumber'd head, And turns it to the gentle evening sun, So feebly rose, so turn'd that Boy his face [675] Unto the well-known voice; twice rais'd his head, Twice it feel back in powerless heaviness; Even at that moment from the dark wood came, Lured by their partners in the stall and field, His chariot coursers, heavily behind [680] Dragging the vacant car, loose hung the reins, And mournfulness and dull disorder slack'd The spirit of their tread. Caswallon knew, And he leap'd up; the Boy his bloodless lips With a long effort opened. -- "Was it well, [685] Father, at this my first, my earliest fight, To mock me with a baffled hope of fame? Well was it to defraud me of my right To noble death?" -- and speaking thus he died
Above him his convuls'd unconscious hands [690] Horribly with his rough black beard at play, Wrenching and twisting off the rooted locks, Yet senseless of the pain, the Father lean'd. Then leap'd he up, with cool and jealous care Within his chariot plac'd the lifeless corpse, [695] And with his lash fierce rent the half-unyok'd Half-harness'd steeds; disorderly and swift As with their master's ire instinct they flew, Making a wide road through the hurtling fray. Briton or Saxon, friend or foe alike, [700] Kinsman or stranger, one wide enmity 'Gainst general humankind, one infinite And undistinguishing lust of carnage fill'd The Master and the Horses; so wild groans Follow'd where'er he moved, 'twas all to him, [795] So slaughter dripp'd and reek'd from the chok'd scythes. The low lay mow'd like the spring grass, down swept On th' eminent, like lightning on the oaks, His battle axe, each time it fell, each time A life was gone, each time a hideous laugh [710] Shone on the Slayer's cheek and writhing lip; As in the Oriental wars where meet Sultan and Omrah, under his broad tower Moves stately the huge Elephant, a shaft Haply casts down his friendly rider, wont [715] To lead him to the tank, whose children shar'd With him their feast of fruits: awhile he droops Affectionate his loose and moaning trunk: Then in his grief and vengeance bursts, and bears In his feet's trampling rout and disarray [720] To either army, ranks give way, and troops Scatter, while swaying on his heaving back His tottering tower, he shakes the sandy plain.
Meanwhile had risen a conflict high and fierce For Britain's royal banner; Hengist here, [725] Argantyr, the Vikinger, Hermingard, And other Chiefs. But there th' Armoric King, Emrys, and Uther, with the Avenger stood, An iron wall against their inroad; turn'd Samor 'gainst him at distance heard and seen, [730] The car-borne Mountaineer, then Uther met Argantyr, Hengist and King Emrys fought, The rest o'erbore King Hoel; one had slain The standard bearer, and all arms at once Seiz'd as it fell, all foreign and all foes. [735] When lo, that sable Warrior, that retir'd And careless had look'd on, upon his steed And in the battle, like a thundercloud He came, and like a thundercloud he burst, Black, cold, and sullen, conquering without pride [740] And slaying without triumph; three that grasp'd The standard came at once to earth, while he Over his head with kingly motion sway'd The bright redeemed ensign, and as fell The shaken sunlight radiant o'er his brow, [745] Pride came about him, and with voice like joy He cried aloud, "Arles! Arles!" -- and shook his sword, "Thou'st won me once a royal crown, and now Shalt win a royal sepulchre." -- The sword Perform'd its fatal duty, down they fell [750] Before him, Jute and Saxon, nameless men And Chieftains; what though wounds he scorn'd to ward, Nor seem'd to feel, show'r'd on him, and his blood Ooz'd manifest, still he slew, still cried, "Arles! Arles!" Still in the splendour the wav'd standard spread [755] Stood glorying the arm'd darkness of his form; Stood from his wounded steed dismounted, stood Amid an area of dead men, himself About to die, none daring an assault, He powerless of assailing. But the crown [760] That on the flag-staff gleam'd, he wrench'd away, And on his crest with calm solicitude Plac'd it, then planting 'mid the high-heap'd slain The standard, to o'ercanopy his sleep, As one upon his nightly couch of down [765] Composes quietly his weary head, So royally he laid him down to die. --
But now was every fight broke off, a pause Seiz'd all the battle, one vast silence quench'd All tumult; slain and slayer, life and death [770] Possess'd one swoon of torpor, droop'd and fail'd All passions, pride, wrath, vengeance, hate, dismay, All was one wide astonishment: alone Two undistracted on each other gazed, Where helpless in their death-blood they lay steep'd, [775] The ebbing of each other's life, the stiff Damp growing on of death; till in a groan Horsa exhausted his fierce soul: then came A momentary tinge, soft and subdued As of affections busy at his heart, [780] On Vortimer's expiring brow, his lip Wore something of the curl men's use, when names Belov'd are floating o'er the thought, the flowers On that lone grave made fragrant his sick sense, And Eamont murmured on his closing ear. [785]
But he, whose coming cast this silence on Before it, as the night its widening shade, Curtaining nature in its soundless pall, An atmosphere of dying breath, where'er He moved, his drear envelopment, his path [790] An element of blood: so fleet, so fast The power to fly seem'd wither'd, ere he came, Men laid them down and said their prayers and look'd For the quick plunging hoofs and rushing scythes: As when the palsied Universe aghast [795] Lay, all its tenants, even Man, restless Man, In all his busy workings mute and still, When drove, so poets sing, the Sun-born youth Devious through heaven's affrighted signs, his Sire's Ill-granted chariot, him the Thunderer hurl'd [800] From th' empyrean headlong to the gulph Of the half-parch'd Eridanus, where weep Even now the Sister Trees their amber tears O'er Phaeton untimely dead. And now Had the Avenger reach'd the path of death, [805] And stood in arms before the steeds, they came Rearing their ireful hoofs to dash him down; But with both hands he seiz'd their foaming curbs, Holding them in their spring with outstrech'd arm Aloft, and made their lifted crests a shield [810] Against their driver. He with baffled lash Goaded their quivering flanks, but that strong arm Held them above avoiding, their fore-hoofs Beat th' unhurt air, and overspread his breast, Like a thick snow-shower, the fast falling foam. [815] Then leap'd Caswallon down, back Samor hurl'd Coursers and chariot, and, "Now," cried aloud, "Now, King of Britain, in the name of God I tender thee a throne, two yards of earth To rot on, and a diadem, a wreath [820] Of death-drops for thy haught aspiring brow.
"There, there, look there," Caswallon cried, his hand Stretch'd tow'rd his son, and in a frantic laugh Broke out, and echoed. -- "Diadems and thrones!" With rigid finger pointing at the dead. [825]
A moment, and the fury burst again; Down came the ponderous battle axe, from edge To edge it rived the temper'd brass, as swift As shot-stars the thin ether; but the glaive Of Samor right into his bosom smote. [830] Like some old turret, under whose broad shade At summer noon the shepherd oft his flock Hath driven, and in the friendly cool rejoic'd, Suddenly, violently, from its base Push'd by the winter floods, he fell; his look [835] Yet had its savage blasphemy: he felt More than the blow, the deadly blow, the cries Of joy and triumph from each army sent, Taunting and loud; to him to die was nought, He could not brook the shame of being slain. [840] But other thoughts arose; hardly he crept To where dead Malwyn from the car hung down, Felt on his face the cold depending hand, And with a smile half joy, half anguish died.
Th' Avenger knelt, his heart too full for prayer, [845] Knelt, and held up his conquering sword to heaven, Yet spake not. But the battle, as set free, Its rugged game renew'd, nor equal now Nor now unbroken, Flight and shameful Rout Here scattered, Victory there and Pride array'd, [850] And mass'd in comely files and full square troops Bore onward. Mountaineer and German break Around the hill foot, and like ebbing waves Disperse away. Argantyr, Hengist move In the recoiling flood reluctant. Them [855] Nought more resembled, than two mountain bulls Driven by the horse and dog and hunter spear, Still turning with huge brow and tearing up The deep earth with their wrathful stooping horns.
But as the hill was opened, from the top [860] Even to the base arose a shriek and scream, As when some populous Capital besieg'd, Sees yawning her wide-breached wall, and all Her shatter'd bulwarks on the earth, so wild, So dissonant the female rout appear'd [865] Hanging with fierce disturbance the hill side. Some with rent hair ran to and fro, some stood With silent mocking lip, some softly prest Their infants to their heart, some held them forth As to invite the foe, and for them sued [870] The mercy of immediate slaughter. Some Spake fiercely of past deeds of fame, some sang In taunting tone old songs of victory. Wives With eye imploring and quick heaving breast Look'd sad allusions to endearments past; [875] Mothers, all bashfulness cast down, rent down Their garments, to their sons displaying bare The fountains of their infant nourishment, Now ready to be plough'd with murtherous swords. Some knelt before their cold deaf Gods, some scoff'd With imprecation blasphemous and shrill [881] Their stony and unwakening thunders. Noise Not fiercer on Cithæron side, th' affright Not drearier, when the Theban Bacchic rout, Their dashing cymbals white with moonshine, loose [885] Their tresses bursting from their ivy crowns, And purple with enwoven vine-leaves, led Their orgies dangerous. In the midst the Queen Agave shook the misdeem'd Lion's head Aloft, and laugh'd and danc'd and sung, nor knew [890] That lion suckled at her own white breast.
But Elfelin that Prophetess her seat Chang'd not, nor the near horror could recall Her eye from its strange commerce with th' unseen; There had she been, there has she been in smiles [895] All the long battle; just before the spear Or falchion drank a warrior's life-blood, she Audible, as an high-tribunal'd judge, Spake out his name, and aye her speech was doom.
Nor long the o'erbearing flight enwrapt thy strength, Argantyr, thou amid the shattering wreck [901] Didst rise, as in some ruinous city old, Babylon or Palmyra, magic built, A single pillar yet with upright shaft Stands, 'mid the wide prostration mossy and flat, [905] Shewing more eminent. Past the Saxon by, And look'd and wonder'd, even that he delay'd; Cried his own Anglians. -- "King, away, away!" First came King Hoel on, whose falchion clove His buckler, with a wrest he burst in twain [910] The shivering steel; came Emrys next, aside His misaim'd blow he shook; last Uther, him His war horse, by Argantyr's beam-like spear Then first appall'd, bore in vain anger past.
From his late victory in proud breathlessness [915] Slow came the Avenger, but Argantyr rais'd A cry of furious joy, "Long sought, late found, I charge thee, by our last impeded fight, I charge thee, give me back mine own, my sword Is weary of its bathes of vulgar blood, And longs in nobler streams to plunge; with thine I'll gild and hang it on my Father's grave, And his helm'd ghost in Woden's hall shall vaunt The glories of his son." "Generous and brave, When last we met, I shrunk to see my sword [925] Bright with God's sunlight, now with dauntless hand I lift it, and cry On, in the name of God."
They met, they strove, as with a cloud enwrapt In their own majesty; their motions gave Terror even to their shadows; round them spread [930] Attention like a sleep. Flight paus'd, Pursuit Caught up its loose rein, Death his furious work Ceas'd, and a dreary respite gave to souls Half parted; on their elbows rear'd them up The dying, with faint effort holding ope [935] Their dropping eyelids, homage of delight War from its victims thus exacting. Mind And body engross'd the conflict. Men were seen At distance, for in their peculiar sphere, Within the wind and rush of their quick arms [940] None ventur'd, following with unconscious limbs Their blows, and shrinking as themselves were struck. Like scatter'd shiverings of a scath'd oak lay Fragments of armour round them, the hard brass Gave way, and broke the fiery temper'd steel, [945] The stronger metal of the human soul, Valour, endur'd, and power thrice purified In Danger's furnace fail'd not. Victory, tired Of wavering, to those passive instruments, Look'd to decide her long suspense. Behold [950] Argantyr's falchion, magic wrought, his sires So fabled, by the Asgard dwarfs, nor hewn From earthly mines, nor dipp'd in earthly fires, Broke short. Th' ancestral steel the Anglians saw, Sign of their Kings, and worship of their race, [955] Give way, and wail'd and shriek'd aloud. The King Collected all his glory as a pall To perish in, and scorn'd his sworded foe To mock with vain defence of unarm'd hand. The exultation and fierce throb of hope [960] Yet had not pass'd away, but look'd to death As it had look'd to conquest, death so well, So bravely earn'd to warrior fair as life: Stern welcoming, bold invitation lured To its last work the Conqueror's sword. Him flush'd The pride of Conquest, vengeance long delay'd, [966] Th' exalted shame of victory won so slow, So toilsomely; all fiery passions, all Tumultuous sense-intoxicating powers Conspir'd with their wild anarchy beset [970] His despot soul. But he -- "Ah, faithless sword, To me as to thy master faithless, him Naked at his extreme to leave, and me To guile of this occasion fair to win Honour or death from great Argantyr's arm." [975]
"Christian, thy God is mightiest, scorn not thou His bounty, nor with dalliance mock thy hour, Strike and consummate!" -- "Anglian yes, my God, Th' Almighty, is the mightiest now and ever, Because I scorn him not, I will not strike." -- [980] So saying, he his sword cast down. "Thus, thus Warr'st thou?" the Anglian cried, "then thou hast won. I, I Argantyr yield me, other hand Had tempted me in vain with that base boon Which peasants prize and women weep for, life: [985] To lord o'er dead Argantyr fate might grant, He only grants to vanquish him alive, Only to thee, well nam'd Avenger!" Then The Captive and the Conqueror th' armies saw Gazing upon each other with the brow [990] Of high arch'd admiration; o'er the field From that example flow'd a noble scorn Of slaughtering the defenceless, mercy slak'd The ardour of the fight. As the speck'd birch After a shower, with th' odour of its bark [995] Freshens the circuit of the rain-bright grove; Or as the tender argent of Love's star Smiles to a lucid quiet the wild sky: So those illustrious rivals with the light Of their high language and heroic act [1000] Cast a nobility o'er all the war. That capture took a host, none scorn'd to yield, So loftily Argantyr wore the garb Of stern surrender, none inclin'd to slay, When Samor held the signal up to spare. [1005]
But where the Lord of that dire falchion nam'd The Widower of Women? He, the Chief Whose arms were squadrons, whose assault the shock Of hosts advancing? Hath the cream-blanch'd steed, Whom the outstripped winds pant after, borne away His master, yet with hope uncheck'd, and craft [1011] Unbaffled, th' equal conflict to renew? Fast flew the horse, and fierce the rider spurr'd, That horse that all the day remorseless went O'er dead and dying, all that Hengist slew [1015] All he cast down before him. Lo, he checks Suddenly, startingly, with ears erect, Thick tremor oozing out from every pore, His broad chest palpitating, the thick foam Lazily gathering on his dropping lip: [1020] The pawing of his uplift forefoot chill'd To a loose hanging quiver. Nor his Lord Less horror seiz'd; slack trembled in his left The bridle, with his right hand dropt his sword, Dripp'd slowly from its point the flaking blood [1025] Of hundreds, this day fall'n beneath its edge.
For lo, descended the hill side, stood up Right in his path the Prophetess, and held With a severe compassion both her arms Over her head, and thus -- "It cannot be, [1030] I've cried unto the eagle, air hath none; I've sued unto the fleet and bounding deer, I've sought unto the sly and mining snake; There's none above the earth, beneath the earth, No flight, no way, no narrow obscure way. [1035] I've call'd unto the lightning, as it leaped Along heaven's verge, it cannot guide thee forth; I've beckon'd to the dun and pitchy gloom, It cannot shroud thee; to the caves of earth I've wail'd and shriek'd, they cannot chamber thee."
He spoke not, mov'd not, strove not: man and steed, Like some Equestrian marble in the courts [1042] Of Emperors; that fierce eye whose wisdom keen Pierc'd the dark depths of counsel, hawk-like-roved, Seizing the unutter'd thoughts from out men's souls, Wrought order in the battle's turbulent fray [1046] By its command, on the aged Woman's face Fix'd like a moonstruck idiot. She upright With strength beyond her bow'd and shrivell'd limbs Still stood, and murmur'd low, "Why com'st thou not, Thou of the Vale? thou fated, come! come! come!"
The foes o'ertook, he look'd not round, their tramp Was round him, still he mov'd not; violent hands Seiz'd on him, still the enchanted falchion hung Innocent as a feather by his side. [1055] They tore him from his steed, still clung his eyes On her disasterous face; she fiercely shriek'd Half pride at her accomplish'd prophecy, Half sorrow at Erle Hengist's fall, then down Upon the stone that bore her, she fell dead. [1060]
Book XII.
Oh, Freedom, of our social Universe The Sun, that feedest from thy urn of light The starry commonwealth, from those mean lamps Modestly glimmering in their sphere retir'd, Even to the plenar and patrician orbs, [5] That in their rich nobility of light, Or golden royalty endiadem'd, Their mystic circle undisturb'd round thee Move musical; but thou thy central state Preserving, equably the fair-rank'd whole [10] In dutiful magnificence maintain'st, And stately splendour of obedience. Earth Wonders, th' approval of th' Almighty beams Manifest in the glory of the work. Though sometimes drown'd within the red eclipse [15] Of tyranny, or brief while by the base And marshy exhalations of low vice And popular license madden'd thou hast flash'd Disastrous and intolerable fire; Yet ever mounting hast thou still march'd on [20] To thy meridian throne; my waxen wing Oh, quenchless luminary! may not soar To that thy dazzling and o'erpowering noon; Rather the broken glimpses of thy dawn Visiteth, when thy orient overcast [25] A promise and faint foretaste of its light Beam'd forth, then plung'd its cloud-slak'd front in gloom.
Even with such promise dost thou now adorn Thy chosen city by the Thames, where holds Victorious Emrys his high Judgment court. [30] Thither the long ovation hath he led, Amid the solemn music of rent chains, The rapture of deliverance, where he past Earth brightening, and the face of man but now Brow-sear'd with the deep brand of servitude, [35] To its old upright privilege restor'd Of gazing on its kindred heaven. The towns Gladden'd amid their ruins, churches shook With throngs of thankful votaries, till 'twas fear [NOTE 22] Transport might finish Desolation's work, [40] And bliss precipitate the half moulder'd walls. 'Tis fam'd, men died for joy, untimely births Were frequent, as the eager mothers prest To show their infants to the brightening world. They that but now beheld the bier-borne dead [45] With miserable envy, past them by Contemptuously pitying, as too soon Departed from this highly gifted earth. So they the Trinobantine City reach'd: Without the walls, close by the marge of Thames, [50] The synod of the Conquerors met; a place Solemn and to the soul discoursing high. Here broad the bridgeless Thames, even like themselves Thus at their flush and high tide of renown, Swell'd his exulting waters. There all waste [55] The royal cemetery of Britain lay, The monuments, like their cold tenantry, Mouldering, above all ruin as beneath, A wide profound, drear sameness of decay. Upon the Church of Christ had heavily fallen [60] The Pagan desolation, hung the doors Loose on their broken and disused hinge, And grass amid the checquer'd pavement squares Was springing, and along the vacant choir The shrill wind was God's only worshipper. [65]
Even where they met, through the long years have sate In Parliament our nation's high and wise. There have deep thoughts been ponder'd, strong designs On which the fate of the round world hath hung. Thence have the emanating rays of truth, [70] Freedom, and constancy, and holiness Flow'd in their broad beneficence, no bound Owning but that which limits this brief earth, Brightening this misty state of man; the winds That thence bear mandates to th' inconstant thrones [75] Of Europe, to the realms of th' orient Sun, Or to the new and ocean-sever'd earth, Or to the Southern cocoa-feather'd isles, Are welcome, as pure gales of health and joy. Still that deep dwelling underneath the earth [80] Its high and ancient privilege maintains, Dark palace of our island's parted Kings, Earth-ciel'd pavilion of our brave and wise, Whose glory ere it swept them off, hath cast A radiance on the scythe of Death. Disus'd [85] For two long heathen ages, it became The pavement of our sumptuous minster fair, That ever and anon yet gathers in King, Conqu'ror, Poet, Orator, or Sage To her stone chambers, there to sleep the sleep [90] That wakens only at the Archangel's trump.
First in the synod rose King Emrys; he The royal sword of justice from his side Ungirding, plac'd it in the Avenger's hand, And led him to the judgment-seat. He shrunk, [95] And offer'd back the solemn steel. -- "Oh! King, Judge and Avenger! who shall reconcile The discord of those titles, private wrongs Will load my partial arm, and drag to earth The unsteady balance. Only God can join [100] And blend in one the Injur'd and the Judge." But as a wave lifts up and bears along A stately bark, so the acclamation swell Floated into the high Tribunal throne Reluctant Samor: on his right the King [105] Sate sceptred, royal Uther on the left. While all around the assembled Nation bask'd In his effulgent presence. 'Twas a boast In after ages this day to have seen Him whom all throng'd to see; memory of him, [110] Every brief notice of his mien and height Became an heir-loom; mothers at the font Gave to their babes his name, and e'er that child Was held the staff and honour of the race.
So met the Nation in their judgment Hall, [115] Its pavement was the sacred mother earth, Its roof the crystal and immortal heavens.
Then forth the captives came, Argantyr first, Even with his wonted loftiness of tread: Nature's rich heraldry upon his brow [120] Emblazing him of those whose scorn the world Bears unasham'd, by whom to be despis'd Is no abasement. Men's eyes rang'd from him To Samor, back to him -- in wonder now Of conquest o'er such mighty foe, now lost [125] The wonder in their kindred Conqueror's pride. Then said the Anglian -- "Wherefore lead ye here?" The sternness of his questioning appall'd All save the Judge. -- "What Briton," he replied, "Witnesseth aught against the Anglian Chief?" -- [130] Thereat was proclamation, East and West And North and South: the silent winds came back With wings unloaded: so that noble mien Wrought conquest o'er man's darkest passions, hate, And doubt, and terror, so the Captive cast [135] His yoke on every soul, and harness'd it Unto his valiant spirit's chariot wheels.
Then spake the stately and tribunal'd Judge -- "Anglian Argantyr! Britain is not wont T' inflict upon a fair and open foe [140] Aught penal but defeat; her warfare bows Beneath her feet but tramples not; her throne Hath borne the stormy brunt of thy assault, And dash'd it off, and thus she saith, "Return, Return unto thy German woods, nor more, [145] Once baffled, vex our coasts with fruitless war. And thy return shall be to years remote Our bond and charter of security; A shudder and cold trembling at our name Shall pass with thee, the land that hath spurn'd back [150] Argantyr's march of victory, shall be known T' eternal freedom consecrate. Your ships Shall plough our seas, but turn their timorous prows Aloof, while on the deck the Sea King points To our white cliffs, and saith -- 'The Anglian thence [155] Retreated, shun the unconquerable shore." -- So nevermore shall my hot warhorse bathe In British waters, nor my falchion meet The bold resistance of a British steel, So wills the Conqueror, thus the Conquer'd swears." [160]
Thus spake Argantyr; sudden then and swift Loftier shot up his brow, prophetic hues Swam o'er his agitated features, words Came with a rush and instantaneous flow. --
"I tell thee, Briton, that thy sons and mine [165] Shall be two meeting and conflicting tides, Whose fierce relentless enmity shall lash This land into a whirlpool deep and wide, To swallow in its vast insatiate gulph Her peace and smooth felicity, till flow [170] Their waters reconcil'd in one broad bed, Briton and Anglian one in race and name. 'Tis written in the antient solemn Runes, 'Tis spoken by prophetic virgin lips. Avenger, thou and I our earthly wars [175] Have ended, but my spirit yet shall hold Noble, inexorable strife with thine. It shall heave off its barrow, burst its tomb, And to my sons discourse of glorious foes In this rich Island to be met: my shade [180] Shall cross them in their huntings, it shall walk The ocean paths and on the winds, and seize Their prows, and fill their sails, and all its voice And all its secret influences urge To the White Isle; their slumbers shall not rest, [185] [NOTE 23] Their quiet shall be weariness, till lull'd Upon the pillow of success repose The high, the long hereditary feud."
So saying, he the bark that lay prepar'd With sail unfurl'd, ascended. She went forth [190] Momently with quick shadow the blue Thames Darkening, then leaving on its breast a light Like silver. The fix'd eyes of wondering men Track'd his departure, while with farewell gleam The bright Sun shone upon his brow, and seem'd [195] A triumph in the motion of the stream; So loftily upon its long slow ebb It bore that honour-laden bark. -- Nor pause, Lo, in the presence of the Judgment Court The second Criminal; pride had not pass'd [200] Nor majesty from his hoar brow; he stood With all except the terror of despair, Consciously in fatality's strong bonds Manacled, of the coming death assur'd, Yet fronting the black future with a look [205] Obdurate even to scornfulness. He seem'd As he heard nought, as though his occupied ears Were pervious to no sound, since that dim voice Of her who speaking died, the silver hair'd, The Prophetess, that never spake untrue: [210] As ever with a long unbroken flow Her song was ranging through his brain, and struck Its death-knoll on his soul. Nor change had come Since that drear hour to eye or cheek; the craft, The wisdom that was wont to make him lord [215] Over the shifting pageant of events, Had given its trust up to o'er-ruling fate, And that stern Paramount, Necessity, Had seal'd him for her own. Amid them all He tow'r'd, as when the summer thunderbolt [220] 'Mid a rich fleet some storm-accustom'd bark Hath stricken, round her the glad waters dance, Her sails are full, her strong prow fronts the waves; But works within the irrevocable doom, Wells up her secret hold th' inundant surge, [225] And th' heavy waters weigh her slowly down.
For the arraignment made the Judge a sign, And the first witness was a mighty cry, As 'twere the voice of the whole Isle, as hills And plains and waters their abhorrence spake; [230] Hoarse harmony of imprecation seem'd To break the ashy sleep of ruin'd towns, And th' untomb'd slumbers of far battle vales. As if the crowd about the Judgment Court Did only with articulate voice repeat [235] What indistinct came down on every wind. Then all the near, the distant, sank away, Only a low and melancholy tone, Like a far music down a summer stream Remain'd; upon the lull'd, nor panting air [240] Fell that smooth snow of sound, till nearer now It swell'd, as clearer water-falls are heard When midnight grows more still. A funeral hymn, It pour'd the rapture of its sadness out, Even like a sparkling soporific wine. [245] But now and then broke from its low long fall, Something of martial and majestic swell, That spake its mourning o'er no vulgar dead.
Lo to the royal burying place, chance borne Even at his solemn time, or so ordain'd [250] From their bright-scuteheon'd biers their part to bear In this arraignment, came King Vortigern, And th' honour'd ashes of his Son. But still And voiceless these cold witnesses past on, Unto the place of tombs. Along the Thames [255] Far floated into silence the spent hymn: And one accusing sound arose from them, The heavy falling of their earth to earth.
One female mourner came behind the King, Half of her face the veil conceal'd, her eyes [260] Were visible, and though a deadly haze Film'd their sunk balls, she sent into the grave, Following the heavy and descending corpse, A look of such imploring loveliness, A glance so sad, so self-condemning, all, [265] (So softly, tremulously it appeal'd) Might wonder that the spirit came not back To animate for the utterance that she wish'd Those bloodless lips; forgivenss it was plain She sought, and one so beauteous to forgive, [270] The dead might almost wake. And she sate down, Leaning her cheek upon a broken stone (Once a King's monument) as listening yet Th' acceptance of her prayers: nor cloister'd Nun Hath ever since mourning her broken vows, [275] And his neglect for whom those vows she broke, Come to the image of her Virgin Saint With such a faded cheek and contrite mien, As her who by those royal ashes sate.
But lo, new witnesses; a matron train [280] In flowing robes of grief came forth, the wives And mothers of those nobles foully slain At the Peace Banquet, them the memory yet Seem'd haunting of delicious days broke off. On Hengist, even a captive, dared not they [285] Look firmly, as their helpless loneliness Spake for them, they their solitary breasts Beat, wrung their destitute cold hands, and pass'd.
Arose the mitred Germain, glanc'd his hand From that majestic criminal, where lay [290] The ruins of God's church, and so sate down.
But Samor look'd upon the mourner train, As though he sought a face that was not there, That could not be, soft Emeric's. -- "I have none, I only none to witness of my wrongs." -- [295] So said he, but he shook the softness off, On the tribunal rose severe, and stood Erect before the multitude. "Thou, King, And ye, assembled People of this Isle, If that I speak your sentence right, give in [300] Your sanction of Amen. Here stands the man, Who two long years laid waste with fire and sword Your native cities and your altar shrines: Here stands the man, who by slow fraud and guile Discrown'd your stately Monarch, Vortigern: [305] Here stands the man, hath water'd with your blood The red and sickening herbage of your land: Here stands the man, that to your peaceful feast Brought Murther, that grim seneschal, and drugg'd With your most noble blood your friendly cups." [310]
And at each charge came in the deep Amen, Even like the sounds men hear on stormy nights, When many thunders are abroad. Nought moved Stood Hengist, if emotion o'er him pass'd, 'Twas likest an elate contemptuous joy [315] And glorying in those lofty worded crimes. Then, "Saxon Hengist, as thy sword hath made Our children fatherless, so fatherless Must be thy children! And Amen knoll'd back, [NOTE 24] As a plague visited Metropolis [320] Mourning the wide and general funeral, tolls From all her towers and spires the bell of death.
"Thy children fatherless! not so -- not so" -- Rose with a shriek that Woman by the grave, And she sprang forth, as from beneath the earth, [325] As a partaker of, no mourner near That kingly coffin. Veil fell off, and band Started, through her bright tresses her pale face Glitter'd, like fine-chaf'd ivory set in gold. Between the Criminal and Judge her stand [330] Rowena took; him as she saw and knew Flush'd a sick rapture o'er her face and neck, A fading rose-hue, like eve's parting light On a snow bank; but from her marble brow She the bright-clustering hair wip'd back, and thus, [335] "Samor, the last time thou this brow beheld'st The moonlight was upon it, since that hour The water hath flow'd o'er it, holy sign Hath there been left by Christian hand, and I Thy creed have learnt, and one word breathes it all, [340] Mercy." -- "But Justice is God's attribute, Lady, as well as mercy, Man on earth Must be Vicegerent of both stern and mild, Lest over-ramping Evil set its foot Upon the prostrate world. The doom is said, [345] The doom must be." -- "Ha! Man with heart of clay, To answer with that cold and stedfast mien; Oh, I'll go back and sue the dead again, There's more forgiveness in the cold deaf corpse, Than the warm keen-ear'd living. From that vault [350] I felt sweet reconcilement stealing up, That turn'd my tears to honey dew, here all, All sullen and relentless on me glares. I ask not for myself, not for myself, The ice of death is round my heart, there long [355] I've felt the slow consuming prey, I feel The trembling ebb of my departing life. That hoary head, though granted to my prayers, Shall never rest upon my failing knee, The father that ye give me back (I feel [360] Ye give him, thou that bear'st the Avenger's name, I know thee by a milder character) That father cannot long be mine; his hands May lay me in the grave, his eyes may weep, For they can weep, although ye think it not; [365] Those hands ye deem for ever blood-embrued, I've felt them fondling with my golden hair, When with gay childish foot I danc'd to meet His far resounding horn. That horn shall sound, But on my deaf and earth-clos'd ears no more, [370] No more." -- "Rowena, when a Nation speaks, The irrevocable sentence cannot change."
Then up her fair round arm she rais'd, and wrapt Like a rich mantle round her: her old pride As the poetic Juno in the clouds [375] Walking in her majestic ire, while slow Before her th' azure-breasted peacocks draw Her chariot. -- "Tell me, thou that sit'st elate, And ye, who call yourselves this British realm, By what new right ye judge a German King, [380] Where are your charters, where your scrolls of law Whose bright and blazon'd titles give ye power To pass a doom on crowned head? Down, down, Ye bold Usurpers of the Judgment seat, Insolent doomers of a sacred life, [385] Beyond your sphere to touch, your grasp to seize."
"Lady, we judge by the adamantine law, That lives within the eternal soul of man, That God-enacted charter, "Blood for blood."
Exhausted she sank down upon her kness, [390] Her knees that fainted under her. -- "Ye can, Ye will not shew unto a woman's eyes That bloody consummation, not to mine. Oh, thou that speakest in that brazen tone Implacable, the last time thou and I [395] Discours'd, thy voice was broken, tender, soft, Remember'st thou? 'twas then as it had caught The trembling of the moonlight, that lay round With rapturous disquiet bathing us. Remember'st thou?" -- "Almost the Judgment sword Fell from the Avenger's failing hand, but firm [401] He grasp'd it, and with eyes to heaven upturn'd, "Oh, duty, duty, why art thou so stern?" Then, "Lady, lo, the headsman with his steel; To that dark Priest 'tis given to sacrifice [405] The victim of to day -- depart! depart! Colours may flow too deep for woman's sight, And sounds may burst too drear for woman's ear."
Stately as lily on a sunshine bank, Shaken from its curl'd leaves the o'ercharging dew, [410] Freshens and strengthens its bow'd stem, so white So brightening to a pale cold pride, a faint And trembling majesty, Rowena sate. On Hengist's dropping lip and knitted brow Was mockery at her fate-opposing prayer, [415] And that was all. But she -- "Proud-hearted Men, Ye vainly deem your privilege, your right, Prerogative of your high-minded race, The glory of endurance, and the state Of strong resolving fortitude. Here I, [420] A woman born to melt and faint and fail, A frail, a delicate, dying woman, sit To shame ye." She endur'd the flashing stroke Of th' axe athwart her eyesight, and the blood That sprung around her she endur'd: still kept [425] The lily its unbroken stateliness, And its pellucid beauty sparkled still, But all its odours were exhal'd -- the breath Of life, the tremulous motion was at rest; A flower of marble on a temple wall, [430] 'Twas fair but lived not, glitter'd but was cold. While from the headless corpse t' its great account Went fiercely forth the Pagan's haughty soul.
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