Page:Lalla Rookh - Moore - 1817.djvu/27

 many a Prophet's breast;--in ISSA shone "And in MOHAMMED burned; till hastening on. "(As a bright river that from fall to fall "In many a maze descending bright thro' all, "Finds some fair region where, each labyrinth past, "In one full lake of light it rests at last) "That Holy Spirit settling calm and free "From lapse or shadow centres all in me!

Again throughout the assembly at these words Thousands of voices rung: the warrior's swords Were pointed up at heaven; a sudden wind In the open banners played, and from behind Those Persian hangings that but ill could screen The Harem's loveliness, white hands were seen Waving embroidered scarves whose motion gave A perfume forth--like those the Houris wave When beckoning to their bowers the immortal Brave.

"But these," pursued the Chief "are truths sublime, "That claim a holier mood and calmer time "Than earth allows us now;--this sword must first "The darkling prison-house of mankind burst. "