 | The poetical works (1829) |  |
THE KNELL.
In days of yore, when Superstition's swayBound blinded Europe in her sacred spell,
The wizard priest enjoined the parting knell,
To fright the hovering Devil from his prey.
If some poor rustic died who could not pay,
Still slept the priest and silent hung the bell.
Then if a yeoman died, his children paid
One bell, to save his parting soul from hell;
And if a Bishop Death's dread call obeyed,
Through all the diocese was heard the toll,
For much his pious brethren were afraid
Lest Satan should receive the good man's soul.
But when Death's levelling hand laid low the King,
Since Kings in both worlds very well are known,
Through all his kingdoms every bell must ring,
For Satan comes with legions for his own.
| The poetical works (1829) | |