 | Dryburgh Abbey and other poems |  |
REBECCA.
Upon the parapet she leapt;And stood in her heroic woe
Like one that Heaven's own hand still kept
From dashing down the void below!
She stood—she look'd—like one inspired;
Decision mark'd her very breath;
That heart which Honour's voice had fired
Could seek the verge—and smile at death!
42
Thou man debased—thou priest forsworn—
Stand back! or thus before thy sight
I leap—and laugh thy power to scorn!
Think'st thou a woman's soul can be
So helpless in its purity?
That earth has lent to Guilt alone
A strength to Innocence unknown?
Turn, baffled traitor, turn and find
No weakness sways the immortal mind!
My strength is yet in Abraham's God!
My faith is still enthroned above;
Better to die where truth hath trod,
Than live polluted by thy love!
| Dryburgh Abbey and other poems | |