Had rested on the Ark,[136] and now again Shone out to bless the breaking of his chain. “To victory!” is at once the cry of all— Nor stands MOKANNA loitering at that call; But instant the huge gates are flung aside, And forth, like a diminutive mountain-tide Into the boundless sea, they speed their course Right on into the MOSLEM’S mighty force. The watchmen of the camp,—who, in their rounds, Had paus’d, and even forgot the punctual sounds Of the small drum with which they count the night,[137] To gaze upon that supernatural light,— Now sink beneath an unexpected arm, And in a death-groan give their last alarm. “On for the lamps, that light yon lofty screen,[138] “Nor blunt your blades with massacre so mean; “_There_ rests the CALIPH—speed—one lucky lance “May now achieve mankind’s deliverance.” Desperate the die—such as they only cast, Who venture for a world, and stake their last. But Fate’s no longer with him—blade for blade Springs up to meet them through the glimmering shade, And, as the clash is heard, new legions soon Pour to the spot, like bees of KAUZEROON[139] To the shrill timbrel’s summons,—till, at length, The mighty camp swarms out in all its strength, And back to NEKSHEB’S gates, covering the plain With random slaughter, drives the adventurous train; Among the last of whom the Silver Veil Is seen glittering at times, like the white sail Of some toss’d vessel, on a stormy night, Catching the tempest’s momentary light! And hath not _this_ brought the proud spirit low? Nor dash’d his brow, nor check’d his daring? No. Though half the wretches, whom at night he led To thrones and victory, lie disgrac’d and dead, Yet morning hears him, with unshrinking crest, Still vaunt of thrones, and victory to the rest;— And they believe him!—oh, the lover may Distrust that look which steals his soul away;— The babe may cease to think that it can play With Heaven’s rainbow;—alchymists may doubt The shining gold their crucible gives out; But Faith, fanatic Faith, once wedded fast To some dear falsehood, hugs it to the last.