Iii

Anon before my sight a palace rose Built of all precious substances,--so pure And exquisite, that sleep alone bestows Ability like splendour to endure: Entered, with streaming thousands, through the gate, I saw the banquet spread beneath a Dome of state, A lofty Dome, that dared to emulate The heaven of sable night With starry lustre; yet had power to throw Solemn effulgence, clear as solar light, Upon a princely company below, While the vault rang with choral harmony, Like some Nymph-haunted grot beneath the roaring sea, --No sooner ceased that peal, than on the verge Of exultation hung a dirge Breathed from a soft and lonely instrument, That kindled recollections Of agonised affections;[BN] And, though some tears the strain attended, The mournful passion ended In peace of spirit, and sublime content!