"They that deny a God, destroy Man's nobility: for certainly Man is of kinn to the Beast by his Body; and if he be not of kinn to God by his Spirit, he is a base ignoble Creature. It destroys likewise Magnanimity, and the raising of humane Nature: for take an example of a Dogg, and mark what a generosity and courage he will put on, when he finds himself maintained by a Man, who to him is instead of a God, or Melior Natura. Which courage is manifestly such, as that Creature without that confidence of a better Nature than his own could never attain. So Man, when he resteth and assureth himself upon Divine protection and favour, gathereth a force and faith which human Nature in itself could not obtain." LORD BACON.[F] CANTO FIRST From Bolton's old monastic tower[G] The bells ring loud with gladsome power; The sun shines[3] bright; the fields are gay With people in their best array Of stole and doublet, hood and scarf, 5 Along the banks of crystal Wharf,[4] Through the Vale retired and lowly, Trooping to that summons holy. And, up among the moorlands, see What sprinklings of blithe company! 10 Of lasses and of shepherd grooms, That down the steep hills force their way, Like cattle through the budded brooms; Path, or no path, what care they? And thus in joyous mood they hie 15 To Bolton's mouldering Priory.[H] What would they there!--full fifty years That sumptuous Pile, with all its peers, Too harshly hath been doomed to taste The bitterness of wrong and waste: 20 Its courts are ravaged; but the tower Is standing with a voice of power,[I] That ancient voice which wont to call To mass or some high festival; And in the shattered fabric's heart 25 Remaineth one protected part; A Chapel, like a wild-bird's nest, Closely embowered and trimly drest;[5][J] And thither young and old repair, This Sabbath-day, for praise and prayer. 30 Fast the church-yard fills;--anon Look again, and they all are gone; The cluster round the porch, and the folk Who sate in the shade of the Prior's Oak![K] And scarcely have they disappeared 35 Ere the prelusive hymn is heard:-- With one consent the people rejoice, Filling the church with a lofty voice! They sing a service which they feel: For 'tis the sunrise now of zeal; 40 Of a pure faith the vernal prime--[6] In great Eliza's golden time.