Page:Joan of Arc - Southey (1796).djvu/66

Sunk deep beneath Gehenna's many roots.240
There many a dateless age the Beldame lurk'd
And trembled: till engender'd by fierce Hate,
Fierce Hate and gloomy Hope, a Dream arose
Shap'd like a black cloud mark'd with streaks of fire.
It rous'd the Hell-hag: she the dew-damps wip'd245
From off her brow, and thro' the uncouth maze
Retraced her steps; but ere she reach'd the mouth
Of that drear labyrinth, shudd'ring she paus'd
Nor dar'd re-enter the diminish'd Gulph.
As thro' the dark vaults of some moulder'd tower250
(Which fearful to approach, the evening hind
Circles at distance in his homeward way)
The winds breathe hollow, deem'd the plaining groan
Of prison'd spirits; with such fearful voice
Night murmur'd, and the sound thro' Chaos went.255
Leapt at the call her hideous-fronted brood!
A dark behest they heard, and rush'd on earth,
Since that sad hour in camps and courts adored
Rebels from God and Monarchs o'er Mankind!

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