Seize--seize--seize![N] Bind him strong in the chain, On his heart, on his brain, Clasp the links of the evil Sleep! Seize--seize--seize-- Ye fiends that dimly sweep Up from the Stygian deep, Where Death sits watchful by his brother's side! Ye pale Impalpables, that are Shadows of Truths afar, Appearing oft to warn, but ne'er to guide,-- Hover around the calm, disdainful Fates, Reveal the woof through which the spindle gleams:-- Open, ye Ebon gates! Darken the moon--O Dreams! Seize--seize--seize-- Bind him strong in the chain, On his heart, on his brain, Clasp the links of the evil Sleep! Awakes or dreams he still? His eyes are open with a glassy stare, On the fix'd brow the large drops gather chill, And horror, like a wind, stirs through the lifted hair. Before him stands the Thing of Dread-- A giant shadow motionless and pale! As those dim Lemur-Vapours that exhale From the rank grasses rotting o'er the Dead, And startle midnight with the mocking show Of the still, shrouded bones that sleep below-- So the wan image which the Vision bore Was outlined from the air, no more Than served to make the loathing sense a bond Between the world of life, and grislier worlds beyond. IV. "Behold!" the Shadow said, and lo, Where the blank heath had spread, a smiling scene; Soft woodlands sloping from a village green,[O] And, waving to blue Heaven, the happy cornfields glow: A modest roof, with ivy cluster'd o'er, And Childhood's busy mirth beside the door. But, yonder, sunset sleeping on the sod, Bow Labour's rustic sons in solemn prayer; And, self-made teacher of the truths of God, The Dreamer sees the Phantom-Cromwell there! "Art thou content, of these the greatest _Thou_," Murmur'd the Fiend, "the Master and the Priest?" A sullen anger knit the Dreamer's brow, And from his scornful lips the words came slow, "The greatest of the hamlet, Demon, No!" Loud laugh'd the Fiend--then trembled through the sky, Where haply angels watch'd, a warning sigh;-- And darkness swept the scene, and golden Quiet ceased. V.