Page:Joan of Arc - Southey (1796).djvu/63

Reverts. Then stalk'd along the giant form
Of proud Oppression, on his crowned brow
Sate Desolation, and his pityless frown
Dispeopled countries: him behind a train190
Loathly and horrible, of nameless fiends
Outnumbering locusts. Last, as fill'd with fear
Suspicion ever-watchful clos'd the train:
Pale meagre spectre, ribb'd with iron plates,
Sleepless, and fearful of the friendly meal,195
Worn out with anxious vigilance of life.

These at the palace meet, there, porter fit,
Remorse for ever his sad vigils kept,
His heart the viper's feast: worn down his face,
If face it were when scarce the shrivell'd skin200
Wrap'd o'er the bone, proclaim'd the gnawing pang:
Inly he groan'd, or starting wildly, shriek'd,
Aye as the fabric tottering from its base
Threaten'd destruction, tho' oft announc'd withheld,
Tho' still withheld, expected.

These