BOOK THE EIGHTH.
265
Pass with slow footsteps to the city gate.
The obedient centinel at Conrade's voice
Admits the midnight travellers; on they pass,
Till in the neighbouring Abbey's porch arrived 110
They rest the lifeless load.
Loud rings the bell;
The awakened porter turns the heavy door.
To him the Virgin: "Father, from the slain
On yonder reeking field a dear-loved friend
I bring to holy sepulture: chaunt ye 115
The requiem to his soul: to-morrow eve
Will I return, and in the narrow house
Behold him laid to rest." The father knew
The mission'd Maid, and humbly bow'd assent.
The obedient centinel at Conrade's voice
Admits the midnight travellers; on they pass,
Till in the neighbouring Abbey's porch arrived 110
They rest the lifeless load.
Loud rings the bell;
The awakened porter turns the heavy door.
To him the Virgin: "Father, from the slain
On yonder reeking field a dear-loved friend
I bring to holy sepulture: chaunt ye 115
The requiem to his soul: to-morrow eve
Will I return, and in the narrow house
Behold him laid to rest." The father knew
The mission'd Maid, and humbly bow'd assent.
Now from the city, o'er the shadowy plain, 120
Backward they bend their way. From silent thoughts
The Maid awakeing cried, "There was a time,
"When thinking on my closing hour of life,
Tho' with resolved mind, some natural fears
Backward they bend their way. From silent thoughts
The Maid awakeing cried, "There was a time,
"When thinking on my closing hour of life,
Tho' with resolved mind, some natural fears
"Shook
