Page:The Life of Benvenuto Cellini Vol 2.djvu/116

Rh  But for I find at every coign obscure Base lilies which spread hooks where flowers should blow Needs must I fear lest these to ruin lure.

To think how many walk like me in woe! Born what, how slaved to serve that hateful sign! Souls lively, graceful, like to gods below!

I saw that lethal heraldry decline From heaven like lightning among people vain; Then on the stone I saw strange lustre shine.

The castle's bell must break ere I with strain Thence issued; and these things Who speaketh true In heaven on earth, to me made wondrous plain.

Next I beheld a bier of sombre hue Adorned with broken lilies; crosses, tears; And on their beds a lost woe-stricken crew.

I saw the Death who racks our souls with fears; This man and that she menaced, while she cried: "I clip the folk who harm thee with these shears!"

That worthy one then on my brow wrote wide With Peter s pen words which—for he bade shun To speak them thrice—within my breast I hide.

Him I beheld who drives and checks the sun, Clad with its splendour 'mid his court on high, Seld-seen by mortal eyes, if e'er by one.