X.
"That shapeless phantom sinking slow
"Deep down the vast abyss below,
"Darts, thro' the mists that shroud his frame,
"A horror, nature hates to name!"—
"Mortal, could thine eyes behold
"All those sullen mists enfold,
"Thy sinews at the sight accurst
"Would wither, and thy heart-strings burst;
"Death would grasp with icy hand
"And drag thee to our grizly band—
"Away! the sable pall I spread,
"And give to rest th' unquiet dead—
"Haste! ere its horrid shroud enclose
"Thy form, benumb'd with wild affright,
"And plunge thee far thro' wastes of night,
"In yon black gulph's abhorr'd repose!"—
As starting at each step, I fly,
Why backward turns my frantic eye,
That closing portal past?—
Two sullen shades half-seen, advance!—
On me, a blasting look they cast,
And fix my view with dang'rous spells,
Where burning frenzy dwells!—
Again! their vengeful look—and now a speechless—