"'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!' "Then Francis answered--'Trust thy Son, For, with God's will, it shall be done!'--[147] "The pledge obtained, the solemn word[148] 150 Thus scarcely given, a noise was heard, And Officers appeared in state To lead the prisoners to their fate. They rose, oh! wherefore should I fear To tell, or, Lady, you to hear? 155 They rose--embraces none were given-- They stood like trees when earth and heaven Are calm; they knew each other's worth, And reverently the Band went forth. They met, when they had reached the door, 160 One with profane and harsh intent Placed there--that he might go before And, with that rueful Banner borne Aloft in sign of taunting scorn,[149] Conduct them to their punishment: 165 So cruel Sussex, unrestrained By human feeling, had ordained. The unhappy Banner Francis saw, And, with a look of calm command Inspiring universal awe, 170 He took it from the soldier's hand; And all the people that stood round[150] Confirmed the deed in peace profound. --High transport did the Father shed Upon his Son--and they were led, 175 Led on, and yielded up their breath; Together died, a happy death!-- But Francis, soon as he had braved That insult, and the Banner saved, Athwart the unresisting tide[151] 180 Of the spectators occupied In admiration or dismay, Bore instantly[152] his Charge away."