Page:Songs of the Affections.pdf/39

Rh

There was hurrying through the midnight— A sound of many feet; But they fell with a muffled fearfulness, Along the shadowy street: And softer, fainter, grew their tread, As it near'd the minster-gate, Whence a broad and solemn light was shed From a scene of royal state.

Full glow'd the strong red radiance, In the centre of the nave, Where the folds of a purple canopy Swept down in many a wave; Loading the marble pavement old With a weight of gorgeous gloom, For something lay 'midst their fretted gold, Like a shadow of the tomb.

And within that rich pavilion, High on a glittering throne,