Count Julian by Walter Savage Landor
page 58 of 109 (53%)
page 58 of 109 (53%)
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Rising from abject and most sordid fear,
Stings her own breast with bitter self-reproof, Consumes the vitals, pines, and never dies. Love, Honour, Justice, numberless the forms, Glorious and high the stature, she assumes; But watch the wandering changeful mischief well, And thou shalt see her with low lurid light Search where the soul's most valued treasure lies, Or, more embodied to our vision, stand With evil eye, and sorcery hers alone, Looking away her helpless progeny, And drawing poison from its very smiles. For Julian's truth have I not pledged my own? Have I not sworn Covilla weds no other? SIS. Her persecutor have not I chastised? Have not I fought for Julian, won the town, And liberated thee? OPAS. But left for him The dangers of pursuit, of ambuscade, Of absence from thy high and splendid name. SIS. Do probity and truth want such supports? OPAS. Griffins and eagles, ivory and gold, Can add no clearness to the lamp above; But many look for them in palaces Who have them not, and want them not, at home. Virtue and valour and experience |
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