Nor did he (such heaven's will) in vain Not vainly struggled in the might Of duty seeing with clear sight; He was their comfort to the last, "I witnessed when to York they came What, Lady, if their feet were tied ! They might deserve a good Man's blame; But, marks of infamy and shame, These were their triumph, these their pride. Lo Francis comes,' the people cried, 'A Prisoner once, but now set free! 'Tis well, for he the worst defied For sake of natural Piety; He rose not in this quarrel, he His Father and his Brothers wooed, Both for their own and Country's good, To rest in peace- he did divide, He parted from them; but at their side Then peace to cruelty and scorn, While to the prison they are borne, Peace, peace to all indignity!' "And so in Prison were they laid Oh hear me, hear me, gentle Maid For I am come with power to bless, By scattering gleams, through your distress, Of a redeeming happiness. Me did a reverent pity move And privilege of ancient love; And, in your service, I made bold — "Your Father gave me cordial greeting; But to his purposes, that burned Within him, instantly returned — He was commanding and entreating, And said, 'We need not stop, my Son! But I will end what is begun; 'Tis matter which I do not fear To entrust to any living ear.' And so to Francis he renewed? His words, more calmly thus pursued. 66 Might this our enterprize have sped, Change wide and deep the Land had seen, A renovation from the dead, A spring-tide of immortal green : The darksome Altars would have blazed Once more the Rood had been upraised The voice restored, the eye of truth "A shadow of such thought remains To chear this sad and pensive time; A solemn fancy yet sustains One feeble Being — bids me climb Even to the last one effort more To attest my Faith, if not restore. "Hear then," said he, "while I impart, My Son, the last wish of my heart. The Banner strive thou to regain; And lay it on Saint Mary's shrine, "Then Francis answered fervently, 'If God so will, the same shall be."". 66 Immediately, this solemn word Thus scarcely given, a noise was heard, To lead the Prisoners to their fate. They rose - embraces none were given — They stood like trees when earth and heaven One marshalled thus with base intent He took it from the Soldier's hand; |