Page:Tales and Historic Scenes.pdf/174

170

But mark! from yon fair temple's loftiest height What towering form bursts wildly on the sight, All regal in magnificent attire, And sternly beauteous in terrific ire? She might be deem'd a Pythia in the hour of dread communion and delirious power; A being more than earthly, in whose eye There dwells a strange and fierce ascendancy. The flames are gathering round—intensely bright, Full on her features glares their meteor-light, But a wild courage sits triumphant there, The stormy grandeur of a proud despair; A daring spirit, in its woes elate, Mightier than death, untameable by fate. The dark profusion of her locks unbound, Waves like a warrior's floating plumage round; Flush'd is her cheek, inspired her haughty mien, She seems th' avenging goddess of the scene.

Are those her infants, that with suppliant-cry Cling round her, shrinking as the flame draws nigh, Clasp with their feeble hands her gorgeous vest, And fain would rush for shelter to her breast?