Page:Stanzas on an Ancient Superstition (1864).djvu/17

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But thundering round him the fierce storm had come
 * Through the rent sky.And gleaming o’er his head

The lightning flashed—then all again was gloom.
 * Startled, as tho’ a funeral torch had shed
 * Its glare into a tomb where lay the dead

He might have saved by putting forth his hand—
 * He cried, ’t is done!—and soon the flame is spread

From layer to layer; as when a lightning-brand The Almighty burls, and forests blaze at his command.

On many a height throughout the darkened realm,
 * Sad watchers far and near their vigils keep,

Nor turn their earnest gaze from whence the flame,
 * By ancient rite first lit, should upward leap
 * Above the Aztec Mount, and bid each steep

Its blaze respondent wake.No hand had done
 * Such deed before, had dared their terrors sweep

At once away—nor could they tell if on The mount or Teocal the distant signal shone.

The flame burst forth.Far from the Teocal,
 * With quickened step, the hero-priest had gone.

None knew his name who ventured for them all
 * To break, ere yet the destined hours had flown,
 * Their spell of terror.Brighter, higher shone

The daring signal, curled its lambent flame,
 * And shot its eager light; while swift upon

Its happy errand, each diverging beam Sped cheerily to bear glad news whero’er it came!