The darksome altars would have blazed The voice restored, the eye of Truth "A shadow of such thought remains, To cheer this sad and pensive time; A solemn fancy yet sustains One feeble Being,- bids me climb Even to the last, - one effort more To attest my Faith, if not restore. "Hear, then,' said he, 'while I impart, My Son, the last wish of my heart. The Banner strive thou to regain ; Bear it to whom, if not to thee Shall I this lonely thought consign? - VOL. IV. And reverently the Band went forth. They met, when they had reached the door, One with profane and harsh intent Placed there, that he might go before, And, with that rueful Banner borne Aloft, in sign of taunting scorn, He took it from the soldier's hand; Bore instantly his Charge away." These things, which thus had in the sight And hearing passed of him who stood |