"Woman, if any fiend of hell
Lurk in thy bosom so to prompt the vaunt.
Of inspiration, and to mock the power 310
Of God and holy church, thus by the virtue
Of water hallow'd by the name of God
That damned spirit adjure I to depart
From his possessed prey. Detected thus
Thy impious wiles, to th' ecclesiastic arm 315
Thou must deliver'd purge in flames the crime
Atrocious."
Thus he spake, and dash'd the wave
With hand unsparing on the virgin's face:
The water shone upon her glowing cheek
Like morning dew-drops on the opening rose. 320
Indignant at th' unworthy charge the Maid
Felt her cheek flush, but soon, the transient glow
Fading, she answer'd meek.
"Most holy Sires,
Ye reverend Fathers of the Christian church
Most catholic! before your view I stand 325
"A
