Page:Joan of Arc - Southey (1796).djvu/118

Thro' the rich robes of Eremites and Saints,
Trees, mountains, castles, ships, sun, moon, and stars,
Splendid confusion! the pure wave beneath
Reflects and trembles in the purpling beam.
On the altar burns that mystic lamp whose flame 275
May not be quench'd.
Circling round the vase
They bow the knee, uttering the half-heard prayer;
Mysterious power communicating thus
To the hallowed water, deem'd a mightier spell
O'er the fierce fiends of Satan's fallen crew, 280
Than e'er the hell-hags taught in Thessaly,
Or they who sitting on the rifled grave,
Seen by th' exhalations lurid light,
Partake the Vampire's banquet.
This perform'd,
The maid is summon'd. Round the holy vase 285
Mark'd with the mystic tonsure and enrob'd
In sacred vests, a venerable train
They stand. The delegated Maid obeys

Their