Page:Felicia Hemans in The New Monthly Magazine Volume 17 1826.pdf/11



was a joyous day in Rheims of old, When peal on peal of mighty music roll'd Forth from her throng'd Cathedral; while around A multitude, whose billows made no sound, Chain'd to a hush of wonder, though elate With victory, listen'd to their temple's gate. —And what was done within?—Within, the light, Through the rich gloom of storied windows flowing, Tinged with soft awfulness a stately sight, The chivalry of France, their proud heads bowing In martial vassalage! While 'midst that ring, And shadow'd by ancestral tombs, a king Received his birthright's crown. For this, the hymn Swell'd out like rushing waters, and the day With the sweet censer's misty breath grew dim, As through long aisles it floated o'er th' array Of arms and sweeping states. But who, alone And unapproach'd, beside the altar-stone, With the white banner, forth like sunshine streaming, And the gold helm, through clouds of fragrance gleaming,