II. 3.
On yon hoar summit, mildly bright[[16]]
With purple ether’s liquid light,
High o’er the world, the white-rob’d Magi gaze
On dazzling bursts of heavenly fire;
Start at each blue, portentous blaze,
Each flame that flits with adverse spire.
But say, what sounds my ear invade[[17]]
From Delphi’s venerable shade?
The temple rocks, the laurel waves!
“The God! the God!” the Sybil cries.
Her figure swells! she foams, she raves!
Her figure swells to more than mortal size!
Streams of rapture roll along,
Silver notes ascend the skies:
Wake, Echo, wake and catch the song,
Oh catch it, ere it dies!
The Sybil speaks, the dream is o’er,
The holy harpings charm no more.
In vain she checks the God’s controul;
His madding spirit fills her frame,
And moulds the features of her soul,
Breathing a prophetic flame.
The cavern frowns; its hundred mouths unclose!
And, in the thunder’s voice, the fate of empire flows.