Page:Songs of the Affections.pdf/27

Rh

Were around Clotilde, as she knelt to pray In a chapel where the mighty lay, On the old Provencal shore; Many a Chatillon beneath, Unstirr'd by the ringing trumpet's breath, His shroud of armour wore. And the glimpses of moonlight that went and came Through the clouds, like bursts of a dying flame, Gave quivering life to the slumber pale Of stern forms couch'd in their marble mail, At rest on the tombs of the knightly race, The silent throngs of that burial-place.

They were imaged there with helm and spear, As leaders in many a bold career, And haughty their stillness look'd and high, Like a sleep whose dreams were of victory: But meekly the voice of the lady rose Through the trophies of their proud repose;