ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS

IN SERIES, 1821-22.

XXXIII. THE COUNCIL OF CLERMONT

          "AND shall," the Pontiff asks, "profaneness flow
          "From Nazareth--source of Christian piety,
          "From Bethlehem, from the Mounts of Agony
          "And glorified Ascension? Warriors, go,
          "With prayers and blessings we your path will sow;
          "Like Moses hold our hands erect, till ye
          "Have chased far off by righteous victory
          "These sons of Amalek, or laid them low!"--
          "GOD WILLETH IT," the whole assembly cry;
          Shout which the enraptured multitude astounds!              10
          The Council-roof and Clermont's towers reply;--
          "God willeth it," from hill to hill rebounds,
          And, in awe-stricken Countries far and nigh,
          Through "Nature's hollow arch" that voice resounds.