But link'd with other words, of new device,
That please my fancy well.—Come, sing it, boy!
SULPICIUS.
If thou art really so.—Begin, begin!
But speak thy words distinctly as thou sing'st,
That I may have their meaning perfectly.
SONG.
The storm is gath'ring far and wide,
Yon mortal hero must abide.
Power on earth, and power in air,
Falchion's gleam and lightning's glare;
Arrows hurtling thro' the blast;
Stones from flaming meteor cast;
Floods from burthen'd skies are pouring,
Mingled strife of battle roaring;
Nature's rage and Demon's ire,
Belt him round with turmoil dire;
Noble hero! earthly wight!
Brace thee bravely for the fight.
And so, indeed, thou tak'st thy stand,
Shield on arm and glaive in hand;
Breast encased in burnish'd steel,
Helm on head, and pike on heel;
And, more than meets the outward eye,
The soul's high temper'd panoply,
Which every limb for action lightens,
The form dilates, the visage brightens:
Thus art thou, lofty, mortal wight!
Full nobly harness'd for the fight.
ORCERES.
These lines portray.
