Page:Hemans in Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine 31 1832.pdf/5



Louder and louder, gathering round, there wander'd Over the oracular woods and divine sea, Prophesyings which grew articulate.—

hung on Salem's towers, And a brooding hush profound Lay where the Roman Eagle shone, High o'er the tents around—

The tents that rose by thousands, In the moonlight glimmering pale; Like white waves of a frozen sea, Filling an Alpine vale.

And the temple's massy shadow Fell broad, and dark, and still; In peace, as if the Holy One Yet watch'd his chosen hill.

But a fearful sound was heard In that old fane's deepest heart, As if mighty wings rush'd by, And a dread voice raised the cry, "Let us depart!"

Within the fated city Ev’n then fierce discord raved, Though through night's heaven the comet-sword Its vengeful token waved.

There were shouts of kindred warfare Through the dark streets ringing high, Though every sign was full which told Of the bloody vintage nigh:

Though the wild red spear and arrows Of many a meteor host, Went flashing o'er the holy stars, In the sky now seen, now lost.

And that fearful sound was heard In the temple's deepest heart, As if mighty wings rush'd by, And a voice cried mournfully, "Let us depart!"

But within the fated city There was revelry that night; The wine-cup and the timbrel note, And the blaze of banquet light.

The footsteps of the dancer Went bounding through the hall,