The bridal of Vaumond :: :: University of Virginia Library

Earth yawn'd beneath us; terror led,
Then down the cleft we darkling sped.
The lightning's momentary glow
Illum'd the giant-vault below,
Discovering thy senseless form—
Fearful, but transient, was the storm;
And, when ascending, we survey'd
Yon castle's towers in ruin laid”—
“Ha! then my father, perish'd he?”
—Now on the air a sound arose,
'Twas chaunted slow and solemnly,
Prolong'd and mournful was its close.
And mark'd they on the hill's wild side,
Where late had frown'd the castle's pride,
Slow winding down, a train
Of holy monks, who strove to save,
In that dread hour the only brave:
And now it was, the fathers said
The passing requiem for the dead,
When earthly hope was vain.
Midway a sable bier was borne,
And the mild breeze of early morn
Wafted the solemn strain.