But cold his feet, and cold his hands; A long, long day! It past away Yet free throughout the day was he Nor sight appear'd, nor voice was heard, And he in strong endeavour still Against them strove with earnest will; Heart-piercing was his cry, Heart-breathed his groaning; but it seem'd That the source of tears was dry. And now had evening closed; On the stone cross, and the marble walls, Before the Cross Eleëmon lay: VOL. VII. But on the steps of the pedestal A strong temptation of the Fiend, And then, as with a dawning hope, "Oh that mine eyes were fountains! To that meek prayer a short loud laugh Close at his ear he felt it, And it sounded on every side. From the four walls and the vaulted roof A shout of mockery rung; And the echoing ground repeated the sound, Which peal'd above, and below, and around, From many a fiendish tongue. The lamps went out at that hideous shout, But darkness had there no place, For the room was fill'd with a lurid light That came from a Demon's face. A dreadful face it was, too well Alas! he had seen it when he stood "Eleëmon! Eleëmon!" "And still thou mightest have had, Health, wealth, long life, and whatsoe'er "Fool, to forego thine earthly joys, For judgement must be given for me, "Remember I deceived thee not; Thou camest of thine own accord, "I told thee thou might'st vainly think To cheat me by contrition, When thou wert written down among The Children of Perdition! "So help me, Satan!' were thy words When thou didst this allow; I help'd thee, Eleëmon, then,.. At the words of the Fiend, from the floor Up the steps of the pedestal he ran, And then it seem'd as if he drew, So when the Demon ceased, "All, all, to Thee, my Lord And Saviour, I confess ! And I know that Thou canst cleanse me From all unrighteousness! "I have turned away from my sin, To such Thou hast promised forgiveness, With that the Demon disappear'd, He stirr'd not from his station, VIII. WELL might the Bishop see what he 0 3 |