Page:The poems of Emma Lazarus volume 1.djvu/130

116 Fixed on the circus with a savage joy, Where brandished swords flashed white, and hu man blood Streamed o er the thirsty dust, and Death was king. He started, shuddering, and drew breath to see The foul pit choked with weeds and tumbled stones, The cross raised midmost, and the peaceful moon Shining o er all ; and fell upon his knees, Restored to faith in one wise, loving God. Day followed day, and still he bode in Rome, Waiting his audience with the Cardinal, And from the gates, on pretext frivolous, Passed daily forth, his Eminency slept, Again, his Eminency was fatigued By tedious sessions of the Papal court, And thus the patient pilgrim was referred Unto a later hour. At last the page Bore him a missive with Filippo s seal, That in his name commended Tannhauser Unto the Pope. The worn, discouraged knight Read the brief scroll, then sadly forth again, Along the bosky alleys of the park, Passed to the glare and noise of summer streets. &quot; Good God ! &quot; he muttered, &quot; Thou hast ears for all, And sendest help and comfort ; yet these men, Thy saintly ministers, must deck themselves