Page:Felicia Hemans in The New Monthly Magazine Volume 23 1828.pdf/6



Full glow'd the strong red radiance In the centre of the nave, Where the folds of a purple canopy Swept down in many a wave; Loading the marble pavement old With a weight of gorgeous gloom; For something lay 'midst their fretted gold, Like a shadow of the tomb.

And within that rich pavilion High on a glittering throne, A woman's form sat silently, Midst the glare of light alone. Her jewell'd robes fell strangely still— The drapery on her breast Seem'd with no pulse beneath to thrill, So stone-like was its rest.

But a peal of lordly music Shook e'en the dust below, When the burning gold of the diadem Was set on her pallid brow! Then died away that haughty sound, And from th' encircling band, Stept Prince and Chief, midst the hush profound, With homage to her hand.

Why pass'd a faint cold shuddering Over each martial frame, As one by one, to touch that hand, Noble and leader came? Was not the settled aspect fair? Did not a queenly grace, Under the parted ebon hair, Sit on the pale still face?

Death, Death! canst thou be lovely Unto the eye of Life? Is not each pulse of the quick high breast With thy cold mien at strife? —It was a strange and fearful sight, The crown upon that head, The glorious robes and the blaze of light, All gather'd round the Dead!

And beside her stood in silence One with a brow as pale, And white lips rigidly compress'd,    Lest the strong heart should fail: King Pedro with a jealous eye Watching the homage done By the land's flower and chivalry To her, his martyr'd one.

But on the face he look'd not Which once his star had been; To every form his glance was turn'd,    Save of the breathless Queen: Though something, won from the grave's embrace, Of her beauty still was there, Its hues were all of that shadowy place, 'Twas not for him to bear.