Page:The castle of Indolence - an allegorical poem - Written in imitation of Spenser (IA castleofindolenc00thomiala).pdf/87

 Attended by a glad acclaiming Train Of those he rescu'd had from gaping Hell, Then turn'd the Knight; and, to his Hall again Soft-pacing, sought of Peace the mossy Cell; Yet down his Cheeks the Gems of Pity fell, To see the helpless Wretches that remain'd. There left through Delves and Deserts dire to yell; Amaz'd, their Looks with pale Dismay were stain'd,

But ah! their scorned Day of Grace was past: For (Horrible to tell!) a Desert wild Before them stretch'd, bare, comfortless, and vast; With Gibbets, Bones, and Carcases defil'd. There nor trim Field, nor lively Culture smil'd; Nor waving Shade was seen, nor Fountain fair; But Sands abrupt on Sands lay loosely pil'd, Through which they floundering toil'd with painful Care,