Where, on the altar’s mouldering stone,

The fitful moonbeam brightly shone;

Then on the fearful stillness broke

Low, solemn tones, as thus he spoke:

“Before that eye whose glance pervades

All depths, all deserts, and all shades;

Heard by that ear awake on high

E’en to thought’s whispers ere they die—

With all a mortal’s awe I stand,

Yet with pure heart and stainless hand.