Page:Joan of Arc - Southey (1796).djvu/118

 Thro' the rich robes of Eremites and Saints, Trees, mountains, castles, ships, sun, moon, and stars, Splendid confusion! the pure wave beneath Reflects and trembles in the purpling beam. On the altar burns that mystic lamp whose flame May not be quench'd. Circling round the vase They bow the knee, uttering the half-heard prayer; Mysterious power communicating thus To the hallowed water, deem'd a mightier spell O'er the fierce fiends of Satan's fallen crew, Than e'er the hell-hags taught in Thessaly, Or they who sitting on the rifled grave, Seen by th' exhalations lurid light, Partake the Vampire's banquet. This perform'd, The maid is summon'd. Round the holy vase Mark'd with the mystic tonsure and enrob'd In sacred vests, a venerable train They stand. The delegated Maid obeys Their