Page:Joan of Arc - Southey (1796).djvu/30

 The soul expanding prayer: his eyes would beam Seraphic rapture, as with eloquent tongue He told the works of Heaven to thankless man. How from the womb of darkness nature rose Refulgent: at the Godhead's high command How matter teem'd with life: the Earth put forth Her various stores: the groves of Paradise Gave their mild echoes to the choral song Of new-born beings: and the last best work Form'd in God's image, reared the lordly face To Heaven. But when Bizardo told how man Fell from perfection, from angelic state, Plung'd deep in sin, and pluck'd the fruit of woe, And bow'd the knee to fiends, and mock'd at God, 'Till Christ expiring on the sacred cross Pour'd forth the atoning life; the tears ran down His aged cheeks with woe-mixt gratitude.

"Forgive the prolix tale! Oh I could dwell For ever thus; for weeks, and months, and years, "Roll'd