Page:The Vespers of Palermo.pdf/36



And it is thus, beneath the solemn skies Of midnight, and in solitary caves, Where the wild forest-creatures make their lair,— Is't thus the chiefs of Sicily must hold The councils of their country!

Why, such scenes In their primeval majesty, beheld Thus by faint starlight, and the partial glare Of the red-streaming lava, will inspire Far deeper thoughts than pillar'd halls, wherein Statesmen hold weary vigils.—Are we not O'ershadow'd by that Etna, which of old With its dread prophecies, hath struck dismay Thro' tyrants' hearts, and bade them seek a home In other climes?—Hark! from its depths e'en now What hollow moans are sent!

Welcome,my brave associates!—We can share The wolf's wild freedom here!—Th' oppressor’s haunt Is not midst rocks and caves. Are we all met?

All, all!

The torchlight, sway'd by every gust, But dimly shows your features.—Where is he