Page:Joan of Arc - Southey (1796).djvu/57

 Wins gentle solace as with upward eye He marks the streamy banners of the North, Thinking, himself those happy spirits shall join Who there in floating robes of rosy light Dance sportively. For Fancy is the power That first unsensualizes the dark mind Giving it new delights; and bids it swell With wild activity; and peopling air, By obscure fears of Beings invisible Emancipates it from the grosser thrall Of the present impulse, teaching self controul 'Till Superstition with unconscious hand Seat Reason on her throne. Wherefore not vain, Nor yet without permitted power impressed, I deem those legends terrible, with which The polar Ancient thrills his uncouth throng: Whether of pitying Spirits that make their moan O'er slaughter'd infants, or that Giant Bird ,