When he, on twelve's last stroke must pass away,

Room making for his heir, great PUNCHIUS-MERLIN

Left the Old King, and passing forth to breathe,

Then from the mystic gateway by the chasm

Descending through the wintry night—a night

In which the bounds of year and year were blent—

Beheld, so high upon the wave-tost deep

It seemed in heaven, a light, the shape thereof

An angel winged, and all from head to feet

Bright with a shining radiance golden-rayed,