University of Virginia Library

VIII.

But soft—
As at the foot of mighty Shakespeare's tomb

17

I kneel—sudden along the fretted ailes
Innumerous shady forms, by the pale moon's
Imperfect beam beheld,—in various guise—
(Each in the habit worn in days of Nature)
Appear, and pour their potent spells upon me!
Aw'd by a sight so strange, aloft I stood,
And wist not what to do:—the figures mov'd!
On near approach I knew them for the Train
Of Shakespeare: Then in procession sad,
Strait, one by one, his hallow'd homage paid
O'er Garrick's grave all bending.