Page:Poems - Southey (1799) volume 2.djvu/65

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Noiseless and undisturbed. Here they ascendA Bark unpiloted, that down the flood,Borne by the current, rush'd. The circling stream,Returning to itself, an island form'd;Nor had the Maiden's footsteps ever reach'dThe insulated coast, eternallyRapt round the endless course; but TheodoreDrove with an angel's will the obedient bark.
They land, a mighty fabric meets their eyes,Seen by its gem-born light. Of adamantThe pile was framed, for ever to abideFirm in eternal strength. Before the gateStood eager Expectation, as to listThe half-heard murmurs issuing from within,Her mouth half-open'd, and her head stretch'd forth.On the other side there stood an aged Crone,Listening to every breath of air; she knewVague suppositions and uncertain dreams,Of what was soon to come, for she would mark
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