IX.
“O generous Bradamant,” the matron cried,
“Know thine arrival in this hallowed hold
“Was not unauthorized of heavenly guide:
“And the prophetic ghost of Merlin told,
“Thou to this cave shouldst come by path untried,
“Which covers the renowned magician’s mould.
“And here have I long time awaited thee,
“To tell what is the heavens’ pronounced decree.
X.
“This is the ancient memorable cave
“Which Merlin[1], that enchanter sage, did make:
“Thou may’st have heard how that magician brave
“Was cheated by the Lady of the Lake.
“Below, beneath the cavern, is the grave
“Which holds his bones; where, for that lady’s sake,
“His limbs (for such her will) the wizard spread.
“Living he laid him there, and lies there dead.
XI.
“Yet lives the spirit of immortal strain;
“Lodged in the enchanter’s corpse, till to the skies
“The trumpet call it, or to endless pain,
“As it with dove or raven’s wing shall rise.
“Yet lives the voice, and thou shalt hear how plain
“From its sepulchral case of marble cries:
“Since this has still the past and future taught
“To every wight that has its counsel sought.
