These things, which thus had in the sight And hearing passed of Him who stood 185 With Emily, on the Watch-tower height, In Rylstone's woeful neighbourhood, He told; and oftentimes with voice Of power to comfort[153] or rejoice; For deepest sorrows that aspire, 190 Go high, no transport ever higher. "Yes--God is rich in mercy," said The old Man to the silent Maid, "Yet, Lady! shines, through this black night, One star of aspect heavenly bright;[154] 195 Your Brother lives--he lives--is come Perhaps already to his home; Then let us leave this dreary place." She yielded, and with gentle pace, Though without one uplifted look, 200 To Rylstone-hall her way she took. CANTO SIXTH Why comes not Francis?--From the doleful City He fled,--and, in his flight, could hear The death-sounds of the Minster-bell:[155] That sullen stroke pronounced farewell To Marmaduke, cut off from pity! 5 To Ambrose that! and then a knell For him, the sweet half-opened Flower! For all--all dying in one hour! --Why comes not Francis? Thoughts of love Should bear him to his Sister dear 10 With the fleet motion of a dove;[156] Yea, like a heavenly messenger Of speediest wing, should he appear.[157] Why comes he not?--for westward fast Along the plain of York he past; 15 Reckless of what impels or leads, Unchecked he hurries on;--nor heeds The sorrow, through the Villages, Spread by triumphant cruelties[158] Of vengeful military force, 20 And punishment without remorse. He marked not, heard not, as he fled; All but the suffering heart was dead For him abandoned to blank awe, To vacancy, and horror strong:[159] 25 And the first object which he saw, With conscious sight, as he swept along-- It was the Banner in his hand! He felt--and made a sudden stand. He looked about like one betrayed: 30 What hath he done? what promise made? Oh weak, weak moment! to what end Can such a vain oblation tend, And he the Bearer?--Can he go Carrying this instrument of woe, 35 And find, find any where, a right To excuse him in his Country's sight? No; will not all men deem the change A downward course, perverse and strange? Here is it;--but how? when? must she, 40 The unoffending Emily, Again this piteous object see?