And peace is none, for living or dead! Ah, pensive Scholar, think not so, But look again at the radiant Doe! What quiet watch she seems to keep, 310 Alone, beside that grassy heap! Why mention other thoughts unmeet For vision so composed and sweet? While stand the people in a ring, Gazing, doubting, questioning; 315 Yea, many overcome in spite Of recollections clear and bright; Which yet do unto some impart An undisturbed repose of heart. And all the assembly own a law 320 Of orderly respect and awe; But see--they vanish one by one, And last, the Doe herself is gone. Harp! we have been full long beguiled By vague thoughts, lured by fancies wild;[29] 325 To which, with no reluctant strings, Thou hast attuned thy murmurings; And now before this Pile we stand In solitude, and utter peace: But, Harp! thy murmurs may not cease-- 330 A Spirit, with his angelic wings, In soft and breeze-like visitings, Has touched thee--and a Spirit's hand:[30] A voice is with us--a command To chant, in strains of heavenly glory, 335 A tale of tears, a mortal story! CANTO SECOND The Harp in lowliness obeyed; And first we sang of the green-wood shade And a solitary Maid; Beginning, where the song must end, With her, and with her sylvan Friend; 5 The Friend, who stood before her sight, Her only unextinguished light; Her last companion in a dearth Of love, upon a hopeless earth. For She it was--this Maid, who wrought[31] 10 Meekly, with foreboding thought, In vermeil colours and in gold An unblest work; which, standing by, Her Father did with joy behold,-- Exulting in its[32] imagery; 15 A Banner, fashioned to fulfil[33] Too perfectly his headstrong will: For on this Banner had her hand Embroidered (such her Sire's command)[34] The sacred Cross; and figured there 20 The five dear wounds our Lord did bear; Full soon to be uplifted high, And float in rueful company!