1.
“Mine enemies are driven back; they shall fall and perish
at Thy presence.”
The quiet night, wherein no sound was heard
Save that meek prayer to sorrow reconcil'd,
To sounds discordant wakes, and tumult wild
Of banded foes approaching: Night's lone bird
By lantern, torch, and noise unwonted stirr'd,
Flaps overhead his wing, with movement mild,
Yet terror strikes in souls by guilt defil'd;
The power of darkness reigns; fears long interr'd
Rise up and walk the gloom: His words have thrill'd
To hearts which no misgiving knew before;
A spell unspeakable hath all things still'd,
And unimagined awfulness hath fill'd:
Those words have power to stop the ocean's roar,
And wake the dead that they shall sleep no more.
