"And so in Prison were they laid-- Oh hear me, hear me, gentle Maid, For I am come with power to bless, By scattering gleams,[140] through your distress, 85 Of a redeeming happiness. Me did a reverent pity move And privilege of ancient love; And, in your service, making bold, Entrance I gained to that strong-hold.[141] 90
"Your Father gave me cordial greeting; But to his purposes, that burned Within him, instantly returned: He was commanding and entreating, And said--'We need not stop, my Son! 95 Thoughts press, and time is hurrying on'--[142] And so to Francis he renewed His words, more calmly thus pursued.
"'Might this our enterprise have sped, Change wide and deep the Land had seen, 100 A renovation from the dead, A spring-tide of immortal green: The darksome altars would have blazed Like stars when clouds are rolled away; Salvation to all eyes that gazed, 105 Once more the Rood had been upraised To spread its arms, and stand for aye. Then, then--had I survived to see New life in Bolton Priory; The voice restored, the eye of Truth 110 Re-opened that inspired my youth; To see[143] her in her pomp arrayed-- This Banner (for such vow I made) Should on the consecrated breast Of that same Temple have found rest: 115 I would myself have hung it high, Fit[144] offering of glad victory!
"'A shadow of such thought remains To cheer this sad and pensive time; A solemn fancy yet sustains 120 One feeble Being--bids me climb Even to the last--one effort more To attest my Faith, if not restore.
"'Hear then,' said he, 'while I impart, My Son, the last wish of my heart. 125 The Banner strive thou to regain; And, if the endeavour prove not[145] vain, Bear it--to whom if not to thee Shall I this lonely thought consign?-- Bear it to Bolton Priory, 130 And lay it on Saint Mary's shrine; To wither in the sun and breeze 'Mid those decaying sanctities. There let at least the gift be laid, The testimony there displayed; 135 Bold proof that with no selfish aim, But for lost Faith and Christ's dear name, I helmeted a brow though white, And took a place in all men's sight; Yea offered up this noble[146] Brood, 140 This fair unrivalled Brotherhood, And turned away from thee, my Son! And left--but be the rest unsaid, The name untouched, the tear unshed;-- My wish is known, and I have done: 145 Now promise, grant this one request, This dying prayer, and be thou blest!'