University of Virginia Library


22

XV.

The figure next succeeding was the Thane's,
Languid and penitent.—His hand he wav'd
As 'twere in honour of the man, whose voice
Did blow his base design in every ear:
Malice was dead within him, and he wept;
Then striking thrice his bosom, thus he cried:
“Oh Nature! how thyself thou blazon'dst
“In this thy Son; form'd in thy prodigality
“To hold thy mirror up, and give the time
“Its very form and pressure:—when he spoke
“Each aged ear play'd truant at his tales,
“And younger hearers were quite ravish'd;
“So voluble was his discourse.—Yet, being dead,
“I am a man again!”—He rush'd along.