High transport did the Father shed
Upon his Son—and they were led,
Led on, and yielded up their breath,
Together died, a happy death!

But Francis, soon as he had braved
This insult, and the Banner saved,
That moment, from among the tide
Of the spectators occupied

In admiration or dismay,

Bore unobserved his Charge away."

These things, which thus had in the sight And hearing passed of Him who stood With Emily, on the Watch-tower height, In Rylstone's woeful neighbourhood, He told; and oftentimes with voice Of power to comfort or rejoice; For deepest sorrows that aspire, Go high, no transport ever higher. "Yet, yet in this affliction," said The old Man to the silent Maid,

"Yet, Lady! heaven is good-the night Shews yet a Star which is most bright;

Your Brother lives-he lives—is come
Perhaps already to his home;

Then let us leave this dreary place."
She yielded, and with gentle pace,
Though without one uplifted look,
To Rylstone-hall her way she took.—

CANTO SIXTH.

WHY comes not Francis? -Joyful chear
In that parental gratulation,

And glow of righteous indignation,
Went with him from the doleful City:
He fled yet in his flight could hear
The death-sound of the Minster-bell;
That sullen stroke pronounced farewell
To Marmaduke, cut off from pity!
To Ambrose that! and then a knell
For him, the sweet half-opened Flower!
For all-all dying in one hour!

Why comes not Francis? Thoughts of love

Should bear him to his Sister dear
With motion fleet as winged Dove;
Yea, like a heavenly Messenger,
An Angel-guest, should he appear.
Why comes he not? - for westward fast

Along the plain of York he past;

The Banner-staff was in his hand,

The Imagery concealed from sight,
And cross the expanse, in open flight,
Reckless of what impels or leads,
Unchecked he hurries on;-nor heeds
The sorrow of the Villages;
From the triumphant cruelties
Of vengeful military force,
And punishment without remorse,
Unchecked he journies-under law
Of inward occupation strong;

And the first object which he saw,
With conscious sight, as he swept along,-

It was the banner in his hand!

He felt, and made a sudden stand.

He looked about like one betrayed: -What hath he done? what promise made? Oh weak, weak moment! to what end Can such a vain oblation tend,

And he the Bearer? Can he go

Carrying this instrument of woe,

And find, find any where, a right

To excuse him in his Country's sight?

No, will not all Men deem the change

A downward course, perverse and strange ?

Here is it, but how, when? must she,

The unoffending Emily,
Again this piteous object see?

Such conflict long did he maintain
Within himself, and found no rest;
Calm liberty he could not gain ;
And yet the service was unblest.
His own life into danger brought

By this sad burden. even that thought,

Exciting self-suspicion strong,

Swayed the brave man to his wrong:
And how, unless it were the sense
Of all disposing Providence,

Its will intelligibly shewn,

Finds he the banner in his hand,
Without a thought to such intent,
Or conscious effort of his own?
And no obstruction to prevent
His Father's wish and last command!
And, thus beset, he heaved a sigh;
Remembering his own prophecy