When each house was a fortalice—as tell
The annals of full many a line undone,—
The gallant Cavaliers,[672] who fought in vain
For those who knew not to resign or reign.
LXI.
But in a higher niche, alone, but crowned,
The Virgin-Mother of the God-born Child,
With her Son in her blesséd arms, looked round,
Spared by some chance when all beside was spoiled:
She made the earth below seem holy ground.