Page:Landon in Literary Gazette 1826.pdf/20



The laughing voice broke off In the middle of its tale— And each one shudder'd as he saw His neighbour ghastly pale.

Heavily on the air There toll'd a midnight bell— And every heart sank down It was so like a knell.

With a weak and trembling step, Rose the Prior from his place; His voice was faint, his eyes were wild— It was a corpse's face.

"Now think upon your God—    For I warn ye, we shall meet, Ere another hour is past,     Before his judgment-seat!

"Spoilers of God's fair earth!    Profaners of his shrine! Ye have feasted, and unto death—     Mortal poison was in your wine!"

The morning Sun arose— Still the festal board was spread— Still hosts and guests were round; But hosts and guests were dead!IOLE.


 * In the Literary Gazette, five or six years ago, the event was related on which this poem is founded. A wild and triumphant party of French officers were so entertained at a convent where they had established their head quarters.—I.