Page:The Vespers of Palermo.pdf/47



The Vesper-bell.

Even so, the vesper-bell, whose deep-toned peal Is heard o'er land and wave. Part of our band, Wearing the guise of antic revelry, Shall enter, as in some fantastic pageant, The halls of Eribert; and at the hour Devoted to the sword's tremendous task, I follow with the rest.—The vesper-bell! That sound shall wake th' avenger; for 'tis come, The time when power is in a voice, a breath, To burst the spell which bound us.—But the night Is waning, with her stars, which, one by one, Warn us to part. Friends, to your homes!—your homes? That name is yet to win.—Away, prepare For our next meeting in Palermo's walls. The Vesper-bell! Remember!

Fear us not. The Vesper-bell! [Exeunt omnes.