Ger. Oh, he smiled, As who should say, ''Twas but the news I looked for.' Then, pointing to the banners borne on high, Where the sad story of her nightly penance Was all too truly painted--'Look!' he cried, ''Twas thus she schooled her soft and shuddering flesh To dare and suffer for you!' Gay ladies sighed, And stern knights wept, and growled, and wept again. And then he told her alms, her mighty labours, Among God's poor, the schools wherein she taught; The babes she brought to the font, the hospitals Founded from her own penury, where she tended The leper and the fever-stricken serf With meanest office; how a dying slave Who craved in vain for milk she stooped to feed From her own bosom. At that crowning tale Of utter love, the dullest hearts caught fire Contagious from his lips--the Spirit's breath Low to the earth, like dewy-laden corn, Bowed the ripe harvest of that mighty host; Knees bent, all heads were bare; rich dames aloud Bewailed their cushioned sloth; old foes held out Long parted hands; low murmured vows and prayers Gained courage, till a shout proclaimed her saint, And jubilant thunders shook the ringing air, Till birds dropped stunned, and passing clouds bewept With crystal drops, like sympathising angels, Those wasted limbs, whose sainted ivory round Shed Eden-odours: from his royal head The Kaiser took his crown, and on the bier Laid the rich offering; dames tore off their jewels-- Proud nobles heaped with gold and gems her corse Whom living they despised: I saw no more-- Mine eyes were blinded with a radiant mist-- And I ran here to tell you. 1st Monk. Oh, fair olive, Rich with the Spirit's unction, how thy boughs Rain balsams on us! 2d Monk. Thou didst sell thine all-- And bought'st the priceless pearl! 1st Monk. Thou holocaust of Abel, By Cain in vain despised! 2d Monk. Thou angels' playmate Of yore, but now their judge! Ger. Thou alabaster, Broken at last, to fill the house of God With rich celestial fragrance! [Etc. etc., ad libitum.] SCENE II A room in a convent at Mayence. Conrad alone.