I

When the soft hand of sleep had closed the latch On the tired household of corporeal sense, And Fancy, keeping unreluctant watch, Was free her choicest favours to dispense; I saw, in wondrous pérspective displayed, A landscape more august than happiest skill Of pencil ever clothed with light and shade; An intermingled pomp of vale and hill, City, and naval stream, suburban grove, And stately forest where the wild deer rove; Nor wanted lurking hamlet, dusky towns, And scattered rural farms of aspect bright; And, here and there, between the pastoral downs, The azure sea upswelled upon the sight. Fair prospect, such as Britain only shows! But not a living creature could be seen Through its wide circuit, that, in deep repose, And, even to sadness, lonely and serene, Lay hushed; till--through a portal in the sky Brighter than brightest loop-hole, in a storm, Opening before the sun's triumphant eye-- Issued, to sudden view, a glorious Form! Earthward it glided with a swift descent: Saint George himself this Visitant must be; And, ere a thought could ask on what intent He sought the regions of humanity, A thrilling voice was heard, that vivified City and field and flood;--aloud it cried--

"Though from my celestial home, Like a Champion, armed I come; On my helm the dragon crest, And the red cross on my breast; I, the Guardian of this Land, Speak not now of toilsome duty; Well obeyed was that command-- Whence bright days of festive beauty; Haste, Virgins, haste!--the flowers which summer gave Have perished in the field; But the green thickets plenteously shall yield Fit garlands for the brave, That will be welcome, if by you entwined; Haste, Virgins, haste; and you, ye Matrons grave, Go forth with rival youthfulness of mind, And gather what ye find Of hardy laurel and wild holly boughs-- To deck your stern Defenders' modest brows! Such simple gifts prepare, Though they have gained a worthier meed; And in due time shall share Those palms and amaranthine wreaths Unto their martyred Countrymen decreed, In realms where everlasting freshness breathes!"