When under cloud of fear he lay, A shepherd clad in homely grey, And hence, when he, with spear and shield, This Clifford wished for worthier might; Of Barden's humble quietness. And choice of studious friends had he Of Bolton's dear fraternity; Who, standing on this old church tower, In many a calm propitious hour, But they and their good works are fled And all is now disquieted And peace is none, for living or dead; Ah, pensive Scholar! think not so, But look again at the radiant Doe! What quiet watch she seems to keep, Alone, beside that grassy heap! Why mention other thoughts unmeet For vision so composed and sweet? While stand the people in a ring, Gazing, doubting, questioning; Yea, many overcome in spite Of recollections clear and bright; Which yet do unto some impart An undisturbed repose of heart. And all the assembly own a law Of orderly respect and awe; But see -they vanish, one by one, And last, the Doe herself is gone. Harp! we have been full long beguiled By busy dreams, and fancies wild; To which, with no reluctant strings, But, harp! thy murmurs may not cease, For a Spirit with angel wings Hath touched thee, and a Spirit's hand: A voice is with us a command To chaunt, in strains of heavenly glory, A tale of tears, a mortal story! CANTO SECOND. THE Harp in lowliness obeyed: And first we sang of the green-wood shade, Beginning, where the song must end, Of love, upon a hopeless earth. For She it was, 'twas She who wrought Meekly, with foreboding thought, In vermeil colours and in gold An unblessed work; which, standing by, Her Father did with joy behold, Exulting in the imagery; A Banner, one that did fulfil Too perfectly his headstrong will: For on this Banner had her hand Embroidered (such was the command) And float in rueful company! It was the time when England's Queen But now the inly-working North In Percy's and in Neville's right, Two earls fast leagued in discontent, gave their wishes open vent; And boldly urged a general plea, The rites of ancient piety To be triumphantly restored; By the dread justice of the sword! And that same Banner, on whose breast |