'Tis flown--the Vision, and the sense 105 Of that beguiling influence; "But oh! thou Angel from above, Mute Spirit[113] of maternal love, That stood'st before my eyes, more clear Than ghosts are fabled to appear 110 Sent upon embassies of fear; As thou thy presence hast to me Vouchsafed, in radiant ministry Descend on Francis; nor forbear To greet him with a voice, and say;-- 115 'If hope be a rejected stay, Do thou, my Christian Son, beware Of that most lamentable snare, The self-reliance of despair!'"[114]
Then from within the embowered retreat 120 Where she had found a grateful seat Perturbed she issues. She will go! Herself will follow to the war, And clasp her Father's knees;--ah, no! She meets the insuperable bar, 125 The injunction by her Brother laid; His parting charge--but ill obeyed-- That interdicted all debate, All prayer for this cause or for that; All efforts that would turn aside 130 The headstrong current of their fate: _Her duty is to stand and wait_;[115][KK] In resignation to abide The shock, AND FINALLY SECURE O'ER PAIN AND GRIEF A TRIUMPH PURE.[115] 135 --She feels it, and her pangs are checked.[116] But now, as silently she paced The turf, and thought by thought was chased, Came One who, with sedate respect, Approached, and, greeting her, thus spake;[117] 140 "An old man's privilege I take: Dark is the time--a woeful day! Dear daughter of affliction, say How can I serve you? point the way."
"Rights have you, and may well be bold: 145 You with my Father have grown old In friendship--strive--for his sake go-- Turn from us all the coming woe:[118] This would I beg; but on my mind A passive stillness is enjoined. 150 On you, if room for mortal aid Be left, is no restriction laid;[119] You not forbidden to recline With hope upon the Will divine."
"Hope," said the old Man, "must abide 155 With all of us, whate'er betide.[120] In Craven's Wilds is many a den, To shelter persecuted men:[LL] Far under ground is many a cave, Where they might lie as in the grave, 160 Until this storm hath ceased to rave: Or let them cross the River Tweed, And be at once from peril freed!"
"Ah tempt me not!" she faintly sighed; "I will not counsel nor exhort, 165 With my condition satisfied; But you, at least, may make report Of what befals;--be this your task-- This may be done;--'tis all I ask!"