Page:The white doe of Rylstone - or, The fate of the Nortons. A poem (IA whitedoeofrylsto00wordrich).pdf/117

 And the first object which he saw, With conscious sight, as he swept along,— It was the Banner in his hand! He felt, and made a sudden stand.

He looked about like one betrayed: What hath he done? what promise made? Oh weak, weak moment! to what end Can such a vain oblation tend, And he the Bearer?—Can he go Carrying this Instrument of woe, And find, find any where, a right To excuse him in his Country’s sight? No, will not all Men deem the change A downward course, perverse and strange? Here is it,—but how, when? must she, The unoffending Emily, Again this piteous object see?