He looked about like one betrayed: 30 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, 35 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, 40 The unoffending Emily, Again this piteous object see?
Such conflict long did he maintain, Nor liberty nor rest could gain:[160] His own life into danger brought 45 By this sad burden--even that thought, Exciting self-suspicion strong, Swayed the brave man to his wrong.[161] And how--unless it were the sense Of all-disposing Providence, 50 Its will unquestionably shown-- How has the Banner clung so fast To a palsied, and unconscious hand; Clung to the hand to which it passed Without impediment? And why 55 But that Heaven's purpose might be known, Doth now no hindrance meet his eye, No intervention, to withstand Fulfilment of a Father's prayer Breathed to a Son forgiven, and blest 60 When all resentments were at rest, And life in death laid the heart bare?-- Then, like a spectre sweeping by, Rushed through his mind the prophecy Of utter desolation made 65 To Emily in the yew-tree shade: He sighed, submitting will and power To the stern embrace of that grasping hour.[162] "No choice is left, the deed is mine-- Dead are they, dead!--and I will go, 70 And, for their sakes, come weal or woe, Will lay the Relic on the shrine."
So forward with a steady will He went, and traversed plain and hill; And up the vale of Wharf his way 75 Pursued;--and, at the dawn of day, Attained a summit whence his eyes[163] Could see the Tower of Bolton rise. There Francis for a moment's space Made halt--but hark! a noise behind 80 Of horsemen at an eager pace! He heard, and with misgiving mind. --'Tis Sir George Bowes who leads the Band: They come, by cruel Sussex sent; Who, when the Nortons from the hand 85 Of death had drunk their punishment, Bethought him, angry and ashamed, How Francis, with the Banner claimed As his own charge, had disappeared,[164] By all the standers-by revered. 90 His whole bold carriage (which had quelled Thus far the Opposer, and repelled All censure, enterprise so bright That even bad men had vainly striven Against that overcoming light) 95 Was then reviewed, and prompt word given, That to what place soever fled He should be seized, alive or dead.