Page:Joan of Arc - Southey (1796).djvu/45

 Grew more disturb'd, and shunning every eye, I lov'd to wander where the forest shade Frown'd deepest; there on mightiest deeds to brood Of shadowy vastness, such as made my heart Throb fast. Anon I paus'd, and in a state Of half expectance listen'd to the wind.

"Last evening lone in thought I wandered forth. Down in the dingles depth there is a brook That makes its way between the craggy stones Murmuring hoarse murmurs. On an aged oak Whose root uptorn by tempests overhangs The stream, I sat, and mark'd the deep red clouds Gather before the wind, whilst the rude dash Of waters rock'd my senses, and the mists Rose round: there as I gazed, a form dim-seen Descended, like the dark and moving clouds That in the moon-beam change their shadowy shapes. His voice was on the breeze; he bade me hail The missioned Maid! for lo! the hour was come. Rh