Page:The white doe of Rylstone - or, The fate of the Nortons. A poem (IA whitedoeofrylsto00wordrich).pdf/70

 And thus, with girdle round his waist, Whereon the Banner-staff might rest At need, he stood, advancing high The glittering, floating Pageantry.

Who sees him ?—many see, and One With unparticipated gaze; Who ’mong these thousands Friend hath none, And treads in solitary ways. He, following wheresoe’er he might, Hath watched the Banner from afar. As Shepherds watch a lonely star, Or Mariners the distant light That guides them on a stormy night. And now, upon a chosen plot Of rising ground, yon heathy spot! He takes this day his far-off stand, With breast unmailed, unweaponed hand. —Bold is his aspect; but his eye Is pregnant with anxiety,