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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 
 
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 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2011 with funding from 
 The Library of Congress 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/revellerspoemOOhaff 
 
THE REVELLERS 
 
 42. 3p 
 
 oem, 
 
 BY F. S. HAFFORD. 
 
 College Press, 
 h kalusburg, california. 
 
 1893. 
 
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 I S«f3 
 
MY LITTLE DAUGHTER EDITH 
 found among the watchers in 
 
PREFACE 
 
 The story of The RevelU-rs appeared some fifty 
 years ago in a little hook of allegories published by 
 an English clergyman. I read it with much delight 
 in early boyhood, and I believe thai many of its less- 
 ons have had a lasting influence upon my character. 
 Some time ago while reading the book aloud to a 
 friend I conceived the idea that I should like to cast 
 the story in rhyme and meter. As the book was out 
 of print and the copyright long since expired 1 felt 
 free to do so, and for most of the way I have quite 
 closely followed the original story, in a few instances 
 I have employed even the words of the author where 
 for a single line or more they seemed appropriate 
 to the meter I had chosen. 
 
 In some of the closing scenes of the second and 
 third chapters I did not wholly agree with the doc- 
 trines of the author, and there I have felt free to 
 change the story itself, leaving out portions in pla- 
 ces or inserting whatever seemed to me more in ac- 
 cordance with Bible teaching. 
 
 Grown people, if I may be so fortunate as to find 
 any among my readers, will please pardon me if I 
 at this place give the children, for whom mainly 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 the hook is written, some points to help them in 
 understanding the allegory. The names given to 
 the characters in the story are easily defined and 
 they indicate each a particular class of people. 
 
 The old man usually represents the Word, or 
 sometimes, perhaps, a preacher of the Word. Leila 
 means pride, Roland is fame, Florizel means flour- 
 ishing or prosperous, Edith is happiness or peace, 
 and Una is victory, Camillo means a scoffer, The- 
 ophilus a lover of God, and Hubert one bright and 
 gay in spirit and easy to be led by others, Dromio 
 and Antonio are the infidel and atheist, and Urban 
 means meek and courteous. The "awful messen- 
 gers " which appear toward the close of the second 
 chapter are pestilences, wars, earthquakes, cyclones, 
 floods, plagues,or such other calamities as Christ has 
 said should come before his appearing. You may 
 read about them in the second chapter of Joel. 
 
 I think the rest will be easily understood, and I 
 may venture to say that if one soul now 7 found among 
 the revellers will by the reading of these lines be 
 persuaded to join the watchers, I shall feel infinitely 
 more repaid for the pleasant task of writing them 
 than to know that the book had met with a large 
 sale. . ' . ,-, 
 
 F. S. HAFFORD. 
 
toe reveiaek; 
 
 CHAPTER ONE. 
 
 THE WARNING VOICE, 
 
 I dreamed of walking through a vale 
 v , Which verdant hills surround; 
 There spicy odors load the gale 
 And fragrant flowers abound. 
 
 There woods of every tender hue, 
 
 " Arid fields of living green, 
 Arid skies of crimson and of blue, — 
 ■And in the midst was seen 
 
 A stream whose crystal waters clear 
 
 ; In soft delicious flow 
 Made melody unto my ear 
 
 As ever on they go 
 
 Till they were lost in shade behind 
 The mountain's farthest reach. 
 
 Tthought that to an earnest mind 
 A lesson this might teach. 
 
THE REVELLERS. 
 
 At that sweet vale's remoter end 
 
 A stately palace stood, 
 Whose lamps their shining beams would send 
 
 Afar into the wood. 
 
 Around it snowy porticoes, 
 
 And marble pillars tall, 
 And flights of steps whose tops arose 
 
 To where a stately hall 
 
 Was hung from floor to arching dome 
 
 With festooned garlands rare, 
 Whose fragrance filled the spacious room 
 
 And hung upon the air. 
 
 The time was evening's early hours, 
 
 A soft and mellow light 
 Threw shadows long from graceful towers 
 
 And told of coming night. 
 
 I lingered by the stream so blue 
 
 That wound its shining way 
 Reflecting from its mirror true 
 
 The beams of parting day. 
 
 There strange, bright birds, like shining things, 
 Shot through the verdant bowers, 
 
 And insects mused with jewelled wings 
 Around the heads of flowers 
 
THE WARNING VOICE. 
 
 Which stood in wild succession there 
 
 Along the river's brink, 
 And seemed to hear its rippling air, 
 
 And of its music drink. 
 
 Far up the shady avenue, 
 
 Above the tree-tops tall, 
 There opened on my wondering view 
 
 That marble palace hall, 
 
 Whose snow-white pillars hung around 
 
 With architectural grace 
 Seemed doubled in the depths profound 
 
 Below the river's face. 
 
 No human being could I see 
 
 In all that lovely place. 
 Insects and birds from tree to tree 
 
 Did flit with pleasing grace; 
 
 And much I marvelled that so fair 
 And good a place should be 
 
 For feeble, transient hosts of air; 
 When suddenly I see 
 
 A reverend man from out the wood 
 
 Come to the river's side; 
 Beside the rushing stream he stood 
 
 And gazed and deeply sighed. 
 
THE REVELLERS. 
 
 His hair was white as mountain snow, 
 And on his furrowed brow 
 
 The weight of many years did show 
 That he was aged now. 
 
 He sat down oil a mossy stone 
 Beneath the cooling shade 
 
 Then bowed his head in musings lone. 
 As near the spot I strayed 
 
 He raised his head from off his hand 
 And seemed about to rise: 
 
 I quickly said he should not stand. 
 Then told him my surprise 
 
 That such a fair and loveiy spot 
 Secluded should remain. 
 
 And kindly asked if he could not 
 It all to me explain. 
 
 A moment paused the kind old man 
 And tears suffused his eye: 
 
 With avre his earnest brow 1 scan 
 As thus lie makes reply: 
 
 ''Come linger here an hour with me 
 
 Till yonder sun has set: 
 From what you hear and what you see 
 
 An answer \ou will get." 
 
THE WARNING VOICE. 
 
 1 thanked him for his welcome kind, 
 
 And lingered by his side, 
 Then asked him for his further mind — 
 
 He thus to me replied: 
 
 •' 'The Vale of Life,' this place we call, 
 
 And yonder palace bright 
 'The Temple of This World,' and all 
 
 Belongs to the Lord of Light. 
 
 "A revel will be there tonight, 
 
 The Lord is far away, 
 But he'll return ere morning light 
 
 Shall bring the coming day. 
 
 "It may be at the midnight deep, 
 
 Or cry of early bird, 
 Or at the daylight's faintest peep 
 
 When morning sounds are heard. 
 
 "And when he comes the ones who stand 
 And watch for him and wait 
 
 He'll take to his own heavenly land 
 To view his blest estate. 
 
 "And then this valley will become 
 
 An empty wilderness; 
 And wrath and devastating doom — 
 
 Reward of faithlessness." 
 
THE REVELLERS. 
 
 The old man sighed and fixed his eye 
 Upon the wandering wave; 
 
 He marked the waters hurrying by 
 With meditation grave. 
 
 "And you?" I hesitating ask. 
 
 "The Lord has placed me here 
 And given me the trying task 
 
 To warn when he is near." 
 
 "But do they need a warning voice?'' 
 
 I asked in some surprise, 
 "When those who make the wiser choice 
 
 W T ill win so great a prize?'' 
 
 He answered, "It is even so 
 
 As you will quickly see 
 When from the lofty temple flow 
 
 The sounds of revelry." 
 
 I pondered deep the old man's word, 
 
 And sat in silent mood. 
 When suddenly were voices heard, 
 
 And from the shady wood 
 
 We saw two youthful figures come 
 
 Along the springing grass; 
 Their eyes were toward the temple dome, 
 
 And swiftly on they pass. 
 
THE WARNING VOICE. 
 
 One was a tall and handsome man, 
 
 And walking by his side 
 A lady fine whose face I scan 
 
 Where mingled joy and pride. 
 
 Each one was dressed in purest white, 
 And round the lady's hair 
 
 There wound a wreath of roses bright, 
 And gems of lustre rare. 
 
 The youth, too, by his manner showed 
 His heart was full of pride; 
 
 His face with expectation glowed, 
 As to his friend he cried: 
 
 " See, Leila, yonder is the hall; 
 
 Just hear the music roll! 
 There are the marble pillars tall, 
 
 We soon shall reach the goal." 
 
 Just then a burst of music fine 
 
 Rolled out from organ grand; 
 
 A thousand silver cressets shine 
 To light the joyous band. 
 
 "Stay, revellers, stay a moment now," 
 The reverend old man said. 
 
 Reluctance clouds the reveller's brow,- 
 The lady bowed her head. 
 
THE REVELLERS. 
 
 "Young man, and you, my lady gay, 
 With garments fair and white, 
 
 Wilt heed what I, an old man, say 
 About the coming night? 
 
 "The music of the revel swells, 
 
 'Twill drown the warning sound 
 
 That of his dreadful coming tells 
 
 Who owns this hallowed ground. 
 
 " Oh ! watch and pray ! be warned in time. 
 
 Remember all the woe 
 And sorrow in that awful clime 
 
 Where wickedness must go ! 
 
 "The revel will be glad tonight, 
 
 But day will surely come ! 
 He will appear in splendor bright 
 
 To take His people home !" 
 
 This speech impressed the noble youth; 
 
 His laughing eye looked grave; 
 He pondered deep the words of truth. 
 
 And watched the passing wave. 
 
 Then Leila spoke, "We thank you, sir, 
 Your words are kindly meant, 
 
 And many solemn thoughts you stir: 
 You have a good intent; 
 
THE WARNING VOICE. 
 
 "Yet now the evening wears away, 
 
 We cannot linger here; 
 It may be at some future day 
 
 We'll have more time to hear. 
 
 "Come, Roland, let us hasten on." 
 
 But Roland lingered still: 
 "Nay, Lelia, when the night is gone 
 
 And o'er the distant hill 
 
 "The sun shall send his beams again 
 
 It may be all too late." 
 But Leila's look made very plain 
 
 The scornful pride and hate 
 
 That filled her haughty heart. She said: 
 
 " 'Tis but the idle tale 
 So often heard, that ever made 
 
 The weak and timid pale. 
 
 "Art thou, my brave young Roland, mad?' 
 The youth laughed out in glee: 
 
 "Farewell, old man, " he lightly said, 
 " For what we hear and see 
 
 " We thank you now; some other time, 
 
 Perhaps, we'll come again. 
 Lelia, do hear the music chime 
 
 In yonder noble fane." 
 
io THE REVELLERS. 
 
 They passed along. The old man eyed 
 The swiftly passing stream: 
 
 " 'A more convenient time,' " he sighed, 
 "Poor fools, they little dream 
 
 "How soon the Lord of Light will come 
 And find them unprepared: 
 
 Lor wrath and devastating doom 
 His righteous sword is bared." 
 
 And hardly had he spoken thus 
 When from the shady wood 
 
 Were voices heard approaching us 
 x\nd soon in view there stood 
 
 A group of graceful children bright 
 
 All talking merrily; 
 They, too, were clad in purest white, 
 
 In garments fair to see. 
 
 Light sandals kept their tender feet 
 From waving grasses green; 
 
 The innocence of childhood sweet 
 In every face was seen. 
 
 "Now, Edith, do make haste and come; 
 
 Why will you linger long? 
 The revel music has begun, 
 
 I hear the choral song! " 
 
THE WARNING VOICE. 
 
 "I must, I must; look, Una, now, 
 
 Am I not beautiful 
 With these white lilies round my brow? 
 
 There's many more to cull." 
 
 "O, Edith, it is tiresome, 
 
 The music's sounding high; 
 
 The evening sun has sunk; do come; 
 I shall not wait. Good by." 
 
 But Edith still with laughing face, 
 Sat down and would not stir; 
 
 The rest walked on with rapid pace. 
 And would not wait for her. 
 
 "See, Una, there sits an old man 
 
 On yonder mossy stone; 
 How gray his hair is, and how calm 
 
 He looks; he's all alone. 
 
 "How I should like to speak to him." 
 Thus spoke a thoughtful boy. 
 
 "No, Florizel, there is not time," 
 Said Una, "think what joy 
 
 "We miss; we shall be late I know. 
 
 Our little Edith there- 
 Why does she still provoke us so 
 
 For lilies for her hair ?" 
 
12 THE REVELLERS. 
 
 "Oh, Una there is very proud, 
 
 She's to be crowned to-night," 
 
 Camillo said with laughter loud, 
 "She would not lose a mite 
 
 " Of time for admiration.'' "Now 
 
 I'm sure it is not so," 
 Said Una, with a clouded brow, 
 
 And face of crimson glow. 
 
 The children now drew near the stone 
 And thus the old man spoke, 
 
 (In strangely soft and gentle tone 
 His trembling accents broke,) 
 
 "Whither, my children, can you tell ? 
 
 And why so gaily dressed?" 
 "The revel, sir," said Florizel, 
 
 "The revel and the feast." 
 
 He stopped, and stood with folded hands, 
 And his white sandaled feet 
 
 Upon the waving grass; he scans 
 Us close, with reverence meet. 
 
 "Now, FlorizeT,"' said Una, "do 
 
 Not linger here so long." 
 She held her hand to shade her view 
 
 From parting sunlight strong. 
 
THE WARNING VOICE. 
 
 She gazed toward the marble hall; 
 
 Camillo laughed again, 
 Again they heard the old man's call, 
 
 "My children, dear, refrain 
 
 "'Your eagerness a moment now, 
 And heed an old man's voice." 
 
 ''Oh, dear," cried one with clouded brow, 
 "Hark to the music choice !" 
 
 "I'd like to hear it, if I may," 
 
 Said thoughtful Florizel. 
 "I'm placed here by the Lord of day 
 
 With warning voice to tell 
 
 "That he'll be here by morning light 
 
 To take his children home; 
 If you in revels waste the night, 
 
 You'll meet a fearful doom." 
 
 "How shall I know when he is near?" 
 Then said the listening child. 
 
 "If you are watchful you may hear 
 His foot-falls on the wild." 
 
 " The music, though, may drown the sound." 
 "Yea, doubtless, but my son, 
 
 Some faithful watchers will be found 
 Before the night is done." 
 
14 THE REVELLERS. 
 
 "Well now," said Una angrily, 
 
 "I shall go on alone," 
 "Oh!" cried Camillo, scoffingly. 
 
 " I gather from his tone 
 
 "That Florizel won't come to-night. 
 He's something else to do." 
 
 " Yes, I will go, if it is right, 
 
 I wish to hear him through." 
 
 " Pray, what is all this fuss about?" 
 Cried Edith's merry voice, 
 
 " What is it now makes Una pout, 
 When we should all rejoice ? " 
 
 " Why, Florizel won't come along; 
 
 No revelling to-night 
 For fear the music and the throng 
 
 And dazzling splendor bright 
 
 "Will spoil his pious watchfulness 
 For coming Judge or King," 
 
 Camillo said. "Why, how is this?" 
 Asked Edith trembling. 
 
 The old man turned his searching eye 
 
 Upon the lovely child, 
 And thus to her he made reply 
 
 In accents soft and mild: 
 
THE WARNING VOICE. is 
 
 "My little girl, I'm here to tell 
 
 That soon our Lord will come; 
 I was but warning Florizel 
 
 To shun the sinner's doom." 
 
 Then little Edith's laughing face 
 Turned grave and very pale, 
 As she drew near with childish grace 
 To hear the old man's tale. 
 
 "Tis only watch," the prophet said, 
 
 Nor spoke another word. 
 "Dear brother," said the timid maid, 
 
 "What is it you have heard? " 
 
 "The Lord is coming ere the day," 
 
 He said with solemn tone; 
 And haughty Una moved away 
 
 With a complaining moan. 
 
 Then Florizel moved thoughtfully, 
 
 And bending low his head 
 He thanked his friend respectfully; 
 
 And Edith's childish tread 
 
 Again was seen in flowers wild 
 
 That 'mong the grasses spring; 
 The happy, thoughtless, little child 
 
 Forgot the coming king. 
 
i6 THE REVELLERS. 
 
 Their murmuring voices died away, 
 When, coming down a glade, 
 
 Two youths were seen in garments gay, 
 And by the stream they staid. 
 
 The one was grave and slightly sad — 
 
 He on the other leaned; 
 His friend a lighter manner had, 
 
 A face where gladness beamed. 
 
 "Whither away, my youthful friends?" 
 The fearless prophet spoke, 
 
 And on the elder one he bends 
 An earnest searching look. 
 
 "The revel, father," said the one 
 
 With light and eager air, 
 "Already now it has begun, 
 
 We're longing to be there." 
 
 Upon his thoughtful friend he cast 
 An anxious troubled look; 
 
 He tried to lead him quickly past; 
 Again the prophet spoke: 
 
 "One moment, friends, I have a word 
 That I should like to speak, 
 
 And when you have the message heard 
 You may the revel seek." 
 
THE WARNING VOICE. 17 
 
 "Oh, linger not, Theophilus, " — 
 
 Thus spoke the younger one, — 
 
 " His message would but hinder us, 
 The music has begun." 
 
 "I think I'll hear his message brief; 
 
 Go, Hubert, to the feast; 
 My soul to-night is bowed with grief; 
 
 I'll hear this aged priest." 
 
 '■' My son, the word is quickly told, — 
 Yon revellers would not hear, — 
 
 Before the sun shall light the wold 
 My Lord is coming near. 
 
 "He'll come in fiery chariot bright 
 
 To take his people home, 
 Those who in revellings waste the night 
 
 Will have a fearful doom." 
 
 "How shall I know when he is near?" 
 
 The earnest young man said, 
 "Shall I the rumbling chariot hear? 
 
 Or hear his stealthy tread ?" 
 
 "Then thou must enter charily 
 
 Into the dance. I fear 
 The sound of joyous revelry 
 
 Will drown your listening ear. " 
 
1 8 THE REVELLERS. 
 
 "The signs, sir?" asked the youth again. 
 
 " Are foot-falls on the wild 
 Or chariot rumblings on the plain." 
 
 Thus spoke the prophet mild. 
 
 "It may be at the midnight deep, 
 
 Or cry of early bird, 
 Or at the daylight's faintest peep 
 
 When morning sounds are heard." 
 
 Theopilus bowed and thanked the man, 
 He seemed inclined to stay. 
 
 " I will be ready, if I can," 
 
 He said, and moved away. 
 
 "May all my blessings go with thee, 
 My thoughtful, noble son; • 
 
 Soon thou the coming King shalt see," 
 Thus spoke the aged one. 
 
 " Well, friend, and what had he to say?" 
 Asked Hubert when again 
 
 His comrade joined him on the way 
 Toward the marble fane. 
 
 " Nay, Hubert, now I plainly see 
 
 You only ask to scoff; 
 For, since you would not stay with me, 
 
 But hastened quickly off, 
 
THE WARNING VOICE. r 9 
 
 " I'm sure you do "not care for these. 
 
 And other sacred things: 
 But most you love and seek to please / 
 
 Yourself with revellings." ': 
 
 "Nny, nay, Theophilus, say not so, 
 
 You should not harshly speak; 
 I only ask that I may know 
 
 The pleasure that you seek." 
 
 "He bade that I should ready be 
 
 To meet our coming King; 
 He said that sounds of revelry 
 
 Will drown the signs he'll bring." 
 
 Said Hubert, "I can truly say 
 
 I would be ready, too, 
 If he shall come before the day 
 
 Begins his course anew. 
 
 "What are the signs that we may know 
 
 When to expect him near? 
 The revel I cannot forego, ' 
 
 Yet his approach I fear." 
 
 "The signs are very faint I know, 
 
 It is a thought that fills 
 My mind with doubt." With anxious brow 
 
 He gazed toward the hills. 
 
20 THE REVELLERS. 
 
 "Oh, well," said Hubert, "I've no doubt 
 We shall leave off in time; 
 
 I think the revel will be out 
 
 Before the morning chime." 
 
 " I am in doubt," the other said, 
 
 " I fear the music loud 
 The flare of lights, the gay parade, 
 
 The laughter of the crowd 
 
 " Will make me fail to hear a sound 
 Foretell the coming King." 
 
 "Well, well,Theopilus, look around 
 And see each pleasant thing 
 
 "That he has left us. Tell me now 
 Would he have placed them here 
 
 And bid us not enjoy them? How 
 Shall we know when he's near?" 
 
 Then on toward the palace fair 
 
 The two in silence walk; 
 I lingered by the old man there 
 
 To hear his further talk. 
 
 As their white garments disappeared 
 
 Far up the winding way, 
 He sadly shook his silver beard 
 
 And thus began to say: 
 
THE WARNING VOICE. 
 
 " Yon earnest \outh may ready be 
 
 Despite the din around; 
 Tis strange, indeed, as you will see, 
 
 How many will be found. " 
 
 Scarce had he ended when again 
 A band of revellers passed; 
 
 Thiev talked in loud and joyous strain, 
 And near us stopped at last. 
 
 " Ha ! " shouted one past middle age, 
 
 " It is an idle tale 
 That makes the" weak and foolish rage 
 
 And turns the women pale, 
 
 This vale will be a hundred years 
 
 Just what it is to-night; 
 So Urban, leave your senseless fears, 
 
 And join the revel bright." 
 
 "Well, Dromio," said he addressed, 
 
 " I cannot now go on; 
 I'm rilled with doubt, and sore distressed 
 
 About the coming One." 
 
 The reveller knit his troubled brow 
 With look of anxious care; 
 
 His friends, reluctant to allow 
 Him still to linger there, 
 
22 THE REVELLERS. "•'*' 
 
 Then tried to drag him on; but he 
 
 Refusing, still remained. 
 "Oh, if he will a loiterer be, 
 
 And by forebodings chained, * 
 
 " Then let him stay and wait awhile," 
 
 Said artful Dromio, 
 "Such foolish conduct makes me smile; 
 
 I to the revel go." 
 
 "Urban would always "hesitate," 
 
 Said scoffing Antonie, 
 "I well know what will be his fate, 
 
 For he cares not to see 
 
 " The King approach; he just now said 
 
 He did not wish for it; 
 I think he ought to hide his head 
 
 Or he may have a fit." 
 
 "He's mad, I verily believe," 
 
 Replied the older one, 
 " How we can wait I don't perceive; 
 
 The night will soon be gone." 
 
 And quickly Dromio moved away 
 
 With many of the rest; 
 But still Antonie thought to stay 
 
 For the reluctant guest. 
 
THE WARNING VOICE. 23 
 
 rhe youth was standing still in doubt, 
 
 He would no further go, 
 And much he seemed perplexed about 
 
 The streamlets rapid flow. 
 
 Hi.-> hand was pressed upon his brow, 
 
 His look was agonized, 
 Naught cared he for the gorgeous show 
 
 Which other revellers prized. 
 
 " Now Urban," said Antonio, 
 
 "Pray do come on with me." 
 " How can I to the revel go ? 1 
 
 We suddenly may see C 
 
 "The King whpm all should greatly fear.". 
 
 "But it can do no good v 
 For you to still be standing herej . « 
 
 Pray come to yonder wood ; : 
 
 "And let us see that aged man 
 
 Who sits by yonder tree. 
 Perhaps he can suggest a plan 
 
 On which we can agree." 
 
 Then Urban with his comrade went 
 
 To where the old man sat, 
 And gracefully his head he bent, — 
 Each reveller touched his. hat. 
 
24 THE REVELLERS. 
 
 "Kind sir, I would you could persuade 
 
 My comrade to pass on," 
 Said Antonie, "please lend your aid, 
 
 The night will soon be gone. 
 
 " Perhaps, you can remove his doubt 
 And help compose his mind; 
 
 He does not know what he's about, 
 But lingers still behind." 
 
 "Fair youth," the old man kindly said. 
 
 " What is it that you fear?" 
 He laid his hand upon the head 
 
 Of Urban kneeling near. 
 
 " I fear, sir," said he looking up 
 
 Into the prophet's face, 
 " I should not go with yonder group 
 
 Unto the banquet place; 
 
 " I should be watching for my Lord; 
 
 And yet I fear to see 
 Him come; I've heard with righteous sword 
 
 He'll make the wicked flee. 
 
 " Like chaff he will devour them — 
 
 Like stubble fully dry — 
 Will leave them neither root nor stem. 
 
 Now, sir, if you will try 
 
THE WARNING VOICE. 25 
 
 " To aid a sinner sore distressed, 
 Most grateful I will be." 
 
 His finger on his lips he pressed 
 And rose from off his knee. 
 
 I henrd not what the prophet said; 
 
 Antonie left him there 
 And on toward the palace sped,i 
 
 While Urban knelt in prayer, 
 
 And watched the waters hurry by 
 Within the gliding stream. 
 
 Now toward the marble temple I 
 Seemed carried in my dream. 
 
26 THE REVELLERS. 
 
 CHAPTER TWO. 
 
 THE REVEL. 
 
 Mow loud and high the music rolled 
 Through marble palace hall, 
 
 And hot and faint from laden air 
 A hundred odors fall; 
 
 While stalely bands of revellers 
 
 Swept up the polished stair, — 
 
 The young, the gay, the beautiful, 
 The gentle, and the fair. 
 
 They all were there whom I had seen 
 Beside the running brook; 
 
 There Leila with the stately step 
 And haughty scornful look 
 
 Trod proudly up the pillared aisle; 
 
 I saw her in the throng; 
 A hundred lamps of silver beamed 
 
 Upon her, and a song 
 
THE REVEL. 27 
 
 Of happiness and gaiety 
 
 Seemed bursting from her soul; 
 Still she preserved the haughty look 
 
 Which scorned alike the whole 
 
 Of that gay band of revellers with 
 The old man's warning voice. 
 
 And Roland, too, was standing there; 
 Not dancing with his choice, 
 
 But leaning 'gainst a pillar tall 
 He spoke with laughing jest 
 
 To groups of youths who gathered 'round. 
 It seemed to please them best 
 
 To hear a word from one who thought 
 
 Himself to be so grand. 
 But Una danced with Florizel; 
 
 She seized his willing hand, 
 
 And gaily said, "Now come on quick, 
 
 My feet go with the tune, 
 I long to dance with yonder group, 
 
 We shall be with them soon. 
 
 "Oh! is it not a noble sight?" 
 
 And 'gainst her childish face 
 
 The lilies danced. Along the floor 
 They move at rapid pace. 
 
28 THE REVELLERS. 
 
 And Hubert, too, was in the dance; 
 
 I saw them passing by, 
 'Their faces lit with joyous light, 
 
 While mirth filled every eye. 
 
 The air was laden with the scents 
 Of flowers fresh and rare; 
 
 There seemed a marble avenue 
 Of stately pillars fair 
 
 Which led without the palace door 
 Into the darkening night 
 
 Away to hills whose purple tops 
 Shone in the fading light. 
 
 I noticed figures, two or three, 
 Were lingering outside; 
 
 There standing by a crystal lake 
 A watcher Lsdescried. 
 
 His anxious face was turned away 
 From looking toward the hills: 
 
 And gazing on the trembling wave 
 His eye with sorrow fills. 
 
 " Now, Urban, of what use is this? 
 
 Do come and join the throng," 
 Antonie spoke with chiding voice, 
 
 "Why will you linger long?*' 
 
THE REVEL. 29 
 
 At first no answer Urban gave, 
 But soon he raised his head, 
 
 "Antonie, I hate revelling; 
 I can not come," he said. 
 
 "Oh ! ho ! I thought,'* the other said, 
 
 " It was the coming King 
 You feared." " Well, did I say 'twas not?' 
 
 Asked Urban sorrowing. 
 
 " No, but I thought 'twas that which kept 
 
 You from the revel bright." 
 •'I wish it were," said Urban while 
 
 He gazed into the night. 
 
 "Well I confess you are beyond 
 
 Me," said Antonio. - - 
 Then turning round his plumed cap 
 He spoke again more low. 
 
 ''Then I suppose you mean you hate 
 
 The revelling for fear . 
 That it may drown the sounds which tell 
 
 The king's approaching near." 
 
 k ' I never told you what to think," 
 
 Said Urban bitterly. 
 ' ; Welii, but you must have some return 
 
 For all the gaiety 
 
SO THE RE FELLERS. 
 
 " You're giving up; I'd either be 
 
 A reveller or I 
 Would be a watcher." "I have no 
 
 Enjoyment when I try," 
 
 Said Urban full of grief and with 
 
 One finger on his lips. 
 "Well I must go," said Antonie, 
 
 And toward the hall he slips. 
 
 Outside I saw Theophilus 
 
 Against a pillar tall, 
 Gazing toward the distant hills 
 
 Which like a mighty wall 
 
 Shut in the vale. He seemed intent 
 
 Upon a distant sound 
 And by degrees he stood upright 
 
 Forgetting all around. 
 
 "What is it?" said a gentle voice, 
 
 "I'm tired of the dance, 
 I think I'll come and stand by you 
 
 And watch the night advance. 
 
 " Do tell me what you're looking at." 
 
 "Edith, I think I hear—" 
 "Hear what? I think there's noise enough 
 
 To nearly split one's ear." 
 
THE REVEL. 
 
 "Nay. but I think I henr a sound 
 
 Above the music's roar." 
 '"You frighten me, Theophilus." 
 
 And from her brow she tore 
 
 The fading garlands; with her long 
 And sinning locks unwound 
 
 She drew close tip to him and stood 
 To listen to the sound. 
 
 " Hark ! " said the rapt Theophilus, 
 
 And Edith listened long; 
 She heard a distant rumbling sound 
 
 Above the choral song. 
 
 It seemed to come from far away 
 Beyond the distant hill — 
 
 Beyond the line of crimson cloud 
 Where twilight fluttered still. 
 
 "What is it?" said she looking up 
 To her companion's face. 
 
 " It is like chariot wheels," he said, 
 " Moving at rapid pace." 
 
 " Will he come in a chariot?" 
 Asked Edith, turning pale, 
 
 " And will he pour out plagues in wrath 
 Upon this happy vale ? " 
 
32 THE RE VELERS. 
 
 "I've heard so," said the listening youth, 
 "But this sound dies away 
 
 And then, at length, returns again; 
 I should not like to say 
 
 "Just what it means." He kept his eye 
 Fixed on the twilight gray 
 
 Until he thought still brighter grew 
 The beams of parting day. 
 
 The sounds of music, shouts of mirth, 
 
 The marble pillared hall, 
 The scented air, the brilliant light — 
 
 He now was lost to all 
 
 But that low sound upon the hills. 
 
 "Oh, now what shall we do ? " 
 Said Edith. " We will seek the man 
 
 Down where the lilies grew. 
 
 "He knows about the coming King, 
 
 And he will tell us best." 
 Thus spoke the youth, and Edith turned 
 
 To join him in the quest. 
 
 " Yes, yes, do let us go at once," 
 So spake the lovely child, 
 
 And clinging to his stalwart arm 
 She passed out on the wild. 
 
THE REVEL. jj 
 
 " Whither away, my friends, so fast? 
 
 Was Hubert's eager cry; 
 And following upon his word 
 
 He soon was standing by. 
 
 Theopilus stopped a moment then: 
 
 "Hubert, there is a sound 
 Among the mountains, and I hear 
 
 A rumbling o'er the ground. 
 
 '"The king is surely close at hand." 
 
 No thunderbolt from out 
 A cloudless evening sky, nor e'en 
 
 A sudden murderous shout 
 
 From ambushed foe could startle more. 
 
 His cheek turned deadly pale 
 As standing rooted to the ground 
 
 He listened down the vale. 
 
 Another moment and he rushed 
 
 In terror to the hall; 
 The music swelled to highest pitch, 
 
 The merry dancer's call 
 
 To groups of friends who swiftly pass 
 
 Them in the brilliant light; 
 For so the young and beautful 
 
 Were wasting fast the night. 
 
34 THE REVELLERS. 
 
 There Hubert pale and trembling rushed 
 In breathless haste along, — 
 
 His young voice raised to highest pitch 
 Went floating o'er the throng: 
 
 "There is a sound among the hills, 
 The King is close at hand ! " 
 
 A thrill of sudden terror passed 
 
 Through that voluptuous band. 
 
 An instant and each eye was turned 
 On Hubert, who with fear 
 
 And shuddering stood to look without 
 For King approaching near. 
 
 The dance as if by magic stopped, 
 
 The music all was stilled; 
 With signs of terror and dismay 
 
 Each revellers face was filled. 
 
 Tiie garlands of half fading flowers 
 Were flung upon the ground; 
 
 To hear the awful tidings told 
 
 They trembling crowd around. 
 
 ''I said that he was coming soon; 
 
 I said we should not come," 
 Cried Florizel to Una who 
 
 As struck with terror dumb 
 
THE REVEL. 35 
 
 Stood cHmjin-g to his trembling" arm. 
 
 "Oh dear, dear Florizel, 
 Where sh;ill we fly? I'm frightened so, 
 
 Dear brother, can you tell? 
 
 " Aw;i,v with these vile flowers now, 
 
 T hate them one and all." 
 And underneath her scornful feet 
 
 Their mangled petals fall. 
 
 "Camillo, it was all your fault," 
 
 Said Florizel to him, 
 As gazing with bewildered look 
 
 His eye seemed turning dim. 
 
 " Well, well, my friend, 'tis no use now, — ' 
 The youth forgot his scorn, — 
 
 "I surely thought he woiild not come 
 Until tomorrow morn." 
 
 Well, but," said Una," that old man 
 Said that we better might 
 Be looking for him any time 
 
 Than revelling through the night." 
 
 " Well, well, don't lay the blame on me; 
 
 We'll go to the old man 
 And find out what we ought to do; 
 
 Let's profit while we can." 
 
j6 THE RE VELLERS. 
 
 " Oh, no, no, no," cried Una," I 
 For worlds would not go out 
 
 To hear the rumbling 'chariot wheels, 
 The deafening trumpet shout. 
 
 " I wish the music would go on; 
 
 Who knows where Edith is ? " 
 Her brother turned away his face; 
 
 Camillo covered his. 
 
 Then nothing could exceed the fright 
 
 And terror of the crowd; 
 Though some in silence heard the news, 
 
 The most were wailing loud. 
 
 I noticed Leila standing near; 
 
 Her lip still curled in scorn, 
 But in the eye that shone so bright 
 
 An anxious look was worn. 
 
 She leaned on Roland for support: 
 " I have done nothing wrong 
 
 For which the King should angry be," 
 She spoke with effort strong 
 
 To be composed, " He made this place 
 That we should all enjoy 
 
 Ourselves; and though he gave to each 
 His work, and bade employ 
 
THE REVEL. 37 
 
 •'Our time as faithful watchers here, 
 
 Pray, who couldtell the time 
 When to expect his near approach ? 
 
 Just hear the music's chime, 
 
 "And set- t lie merry dance; he placed 
 
 All these within our way, 
 And why should we not revel here 
 
 Until the dawning day ? " 
 
 She spoke and cast a haughty eye 
 
 To her companion's face; 
 'Twas plain that she gained confidence 
 
 As time passed on apace. ' 
 
 But Roland's sparkling eye was quenched 
 
 Of all its lustrous hue, 
 And his fresh beaming face was pale 
 
 As toward the door he threw 
 
 An anxious glance, He said," I wish 
 
 That we had listened to 
 The man we saw beside the stream, 
 
 Who told us what to do." 
 
 "Well, then, let's go to him," said she, 
 
 " He may advise us how 
 To act; it may not be too late 
 
 To hear him even now." 
 
38 THE REVELLERS. 
 
 'Twas strange to hear her altered tone; 
 
 How little charm the sound 
 Of music had for her; she gazed 
 
 On those who thronged around 
 
 Where all terror and dismay; 
 
 The lamps gave little light; 
 The moon shone on her comrade's face 
 
 And showed its ghastly fright. 
 
 I saw that Urban all alone 
 
 Amid confusion wild 
 Seemed undismayed; his face was calm, 
 
 I thought he almost smiled. 
 
 And yet he seemed as much perplexed 
 
 As he had been before; 
 The near approach of coming King 
 
 No terror for him bore. 
 
 " I do not feel it as I ought," 
 
 He to himself confessed, 
 "I wonder why I'm not alarmed 
 
 And frightened like the rest." 
 
 Theophilus soon reached the spot 
 Where sat the prophet old; 
 
 He threw himself upon his knees 
 And straight his story told: 
 
THE REVEL. 39 
 
 •'Oh, sir," he said in earnest tone, 
 
 " The Lord is close at hand, 
 And all is now confusion wild 
 
 Among the revel band. 
 
 " I come to learn what I shall do." 
 
 The old man raised his head 
 And made reply, " "Tis even so, 
 
 'Tis even as I said, 
 
 " And has he come? and shall I go 
 
 To my long home at last 
 And be released from anxious watch, — 
 
 Be bidden to the feast?" 
 
 He rose and turned toward the hills 
 
 His almost sightless eyes, 
 Then lifted up his feeble hands 
 
 Toward the starlit skies. 
 
 There passed across his aged brow 
 
 Such look of joy and peace 
 As told about the near approach 
 
 Of long-look-for release. ' " - - 
 
 " But tell me," said Theophilus, ! 
 
 "Pray, tell me what to do." 
 "Oh, do, do," cried the frightened girl, 
 
 "We must be ready, too." 
 
40 THE RE VELLERS. 
 
 ••Is all prepared?— your garments stained 
 
 With midnight revelling ! 
 Back to the hall, stand at the door, 
 
 Watch for your coming King. i 
 
 '• Thrice blessed will the watchers be, 
 And those who stand prepared; 
 
 No thoughtless giddy reveller 
 
 Shall in that hour be spared.'* 
 
 The youth no longer stood in doubt, 
 
 But quickly he returned 
 To where the revel music pealed 
 
 And lamps of silver burned. 
 
 Then what indeed was his surprise 
 To find the whole had changed ? 
 
 Again around the lofty hall ■« -J i 
 
 Were fresh new flowers arranged. 
 
 The lamps again were blazing high 
 
 Whithin the lofty dome, 
 And back once more to join the throng 
 
 Each reveller had come. 
 
 The look of terror and dismay 
 Had flown from every face, 
 
 And quickly each again was found 
 In his accustomed place. 
 
THE REVEL. 41 
 
 " Why, Hubert, why again this change?" 
 
 Asked grave Theophilus. 
 "Because," said Hubert, "The Alarm 
 
 Which just now frightened us 
 
 "Has been proved nothing after all, 
 
 The king is not at hand. 
 Come, lay aside your senseless fears 
 
 And join the revel band." 
 
 "How know you this?" the watcher asked. 
 
 And turned his nnxious eye 
 Toward the place where loftv hills 
 
 Wt-re towering to the sky. 
 
 "Because" the other said, "the sound 
 
 Has ceased, and messengers 
 Have come to say that hereabout 
 
 It frequently occurs." 
 
 This answer did not satisfy 
 
 The thoughtful, anxious youth; 
 He still believed his Lord would come, 
 
 He longed to know the truth. 
 
 " Oh there goes Una in the dance ! " 
 
 Cried Edith letting go 
 Of her companion's arm; " 111 go 
 
 And join her, for I know 
 
42 THE RE VELLERS. 
 
 "There's now no need to fear; good by, 
 
 I'll very soon return." 
 "Stay, stay, light one," the young man said. 
 
 With look of deep concern, 
 
 "Remember now the old man's word, 
 
 'Be ready at the door.' " 
 "Well, well, and so I will," she said, 
 
 "But surely one dance more 
 
 "Will not take long, and it is clear 
 The King's not coming yet. 
 
 Oh, see how Una threads the dance ! 
 I want to join her set 
 
 " For just a little while; I know 
 
 I shall be back in time." 
 She burst from him and soon her feet 
 
 Were moving with the chime. 
 
 "What think you now, Theophilus?" 
 And Hubert's smile was bland. 
 
 "I think that the alarm was right, 
 The Lord is now at hand," 
 
 The other said. " But it is false, 
 
 And all accounted for." 
 "I," said his friend, "cannot see wmy 
 
 In that great day and hour 
 
THE REVEL. 43 
 
 '''Our King should not, as heralds of 
 
 His near approaching doom, 
 Choose things for which we may account, 
 
 Who fear to see him come." 
 
 " But it seems hard," the other said, 
 
 "That we may not enjoy 
 The time in harmless sport when he 
 
 Does not need our employ." 
 
 '• Hubert, you know that we must watch 
 
 And have within our hands 
 Our lamps; our garments free from spots 
 
 That stain the revel bands. 
 
 '• Who think you of yon giddy throng 
 
 Can in a moment be 
 Like that, if soon our king shall come 
 
 And view their revelry?" 
 
 Hubert himself was thoughtful now: 
 
 " You are right, my friend, " he said, 
 
 " But how shall we amid this throng 
 Perceive his stealthy tread ? " 
 
 "I," said the elder one," shall stand 
 
 Close by the outer door, 
 And soon I think the sounds within 
 
 Will not disturb me more." 
 
44 THE REVELLERS. 
 
 "And I will take my stand by you, 1 ' 
 Said Hubert, "you are right: 
 
 I hope the king will never find 
 
 Our comrades in their plight. 
 
 "Can we not warn them now in time? 
 
 Edith at least will be 
 Persuaded to keep watch with us; 
 
 I'll go at once and see." 
 
 Then o'er the surging, noisy throng 
 
 He cast a rapid glance 
 To where he saw a childish form 
 
 That gaily trod the dance. 
 
 Straight in he darted after her; 
 
 Theophilus turned away, 
 And holding high his burning lamp 
 
 That shed its slender ray 
 
 On those around, he took his staff 
 And wedding garment white, 
 
 And moved toward the outer door 
 That ope'd into the night. 
 
 He noticed Urban standing w 7 here 
 
 He left him long before; 
 His face, which ever seemed perplexed 
 
 A look of trouble wore. 
 
THE RE VEL. 43 
 
 His lamp he held within his hand, 
 
 Its flame he closely eyed; 
 Its rays were shining faint and pure, 
 
 His staff stood by his side. 
 
 " Friend Urban," cried Theophilus, 
 " I'm going to take my stand 
 
 Close by the outer door and watch, 
 The Lord is near at hand." 
 
 '"Are you? ' said Urban with a sigh. 
 
 "Come with me," said his friend, 
 " Come take your staff and let your light 
 
 And mine together blend." 
 
 "I dare not," said the timid one, 
 " My lamp don't seem to burn; 
 
 I tear the wind will blow it out 
 Whichever way I turn." 
 
 "Your lamp is trimmed and burning bright, 
 
 Then said the other one. 
 " I do not see it," Urban said, 
 
 " I'm sure my staff is gone." 
 
 "It stands behind you," said his friend, 
 "You seem quite well prepared. 
 
 I wish that all yon revellers 
 
 Our King as greatly feared." 
 
46 THE RE VELLERS. 
 
 "O friend Theophilus ! " said the youth, 
 
 And in his face was seen 
 The look which deepest sorrow knows, 
 
 And fear and anguish keen,— 
 
 " I am not read)'; I have tried 
 How hard you cannot know 
 
 To be prepared when he shall come; 
 I fear I can not go 
 
 "With him."' He spoke and turned away. 
 
 Theophilus answered not; 
 Indeed he knew not what to say: 
 
 Sad seemed the unhappy lot 
 
 Of him who feared the coming King, 
 
 And so he left him there 
 With head bowed down for heavy grief, 
 
 And lips that moved in prayer. 
 
 Now midnight's deepest hour had come 
 
 And in the revel hall 
 Is heard the tread of many feet. 
 
 The merry dancer's call. 
 
 One lonely figure might be seen 
 
 Standing within the door; 
 It was the noble thoughtful youth 
 
 That we have seen before. 
 
THE REVEL. 47 
 
 His little lam}) was burning bright; 
 
 Its pure and steadfast flame 
 The glare of all the revel lamps 
 
 Could never put to shame. 
 
 His shadow on the door was cast, — 
 Outlined distinct and keen. 
 
 It was Theophilus' manly form 
 
 That might have there been seen. 
 
 With face turned toward the open door, 
 Bent ft> nil and listening ear, 
 
 He's waiting for the coming King, 
 And soon expects him near. 
 
 No one was by — he stood alone 
 Apart from that bright throng; 
 
 Yet one lias noticed that he stands 
 Deaf to the coral song. 
 
 "See, Edith," gay Camillo said, 
 With voice and look a sneer, 
 
 " Why will he stand so like a fool 
 While we are dancing here?" 
 
 " Oh hush ! " said gentle Florizel, 
 " Who knows but he will be 
 
 Before the morning sun shall dawn 
 More safe by far than we ? " 
 
THE REVELLERS. 
 
 And silently the children drew 
 Around the pillar near: 
 
 That quiet watcher by the door 
 Had cast a shade of fear 
 
 For what might come so suddenly; 
 
 And little Edith said, 
 " If he is right, why shall not we 
 
 To watch be also led?" 
 
 " I think I will," said Florizel, 
 Though somewhat timidly, 
 
 "And gladly will I follow, too," 
 Said Edith eagerly. 
 
 And clinging to her brother's arm 
 She started toward the door; 
 
 Camillo with a mocking air 
 
 Laughed louder than before. 
 
 " Why, Florizel, you're going mad, 
 What are you fearing now?" 
 
 " I fear the King, the Lord of all, 
 Before whom angels bow, 
 
 "Will come and find me revelling. 
 
 Come, Edith, trim your light, 
 And let us leave the feast and mirth 
 
 Before we waste the night." 
 
THE REVEL. 49 
 
 tv Oh, Edith, Edith," cried the voice 
 
 Of Hubert, " I have been 
 Looking about the palace long 
 
 And nothing have I seen 
 
 " Of you; Theopilus wants you now 
 
 To watch by yonder door." 
 At this Camillo turned about 
 
 And laughed a merry roar: 
 
 " Oh, she is going very soon, 
 
 And nlso Florizel; 
 They'll watch all night for naught I fear; 
 
 Say, Hubert, can you tell 
 
 " What makes them do such foolish things? 
 
 You surely will not go 
 And lose the dance and banqueting; 
 
 You have more sense I know." 
 
 "Young man, " 'twas Roland's voice that spoke, 
 
 " I have been seeking you; 
 We. need you at the banquet now, — 
 
 The rest are summoned, too. 
 
 " The lady will not go unless 
 
 You will attend us now, 
 For Leila likes you much," he said. 
 
 With archly smiling brow. 
 
So THE RE VEL LEES. 
 
 " I was going another way," 
 Said Hubert coloring up. 
 
 "Oh," said Camillo with a sneer, 
 "You'll not get him to sup. 
 
 " He's going with Theophilus 
 To watch by yonder door." 
 
 The boy continued still to scoff 
 As he had done before. 
 
 But Roland noticed not the sneer: 
 Hubert. he pressed again. 
 
 " I fear I connot go with you; 
 I think I should refrain 
 
 " From banqueting and revels now; 
 
 At least do let me go 
 And presently I shall return." 
 
 But Roland said, "No, no, 
 
 "See, Leila stands and waits for you. 
 
 Indeed you now must come 
 You know she very seldom cares 
 
 To wait for any one." 
 
 Then Hubert yielded to the call; 
 
 But to the child he said: 
 "Go, Edith, to Theophilus 
 
 And watch with him instead. 
 
THE REVEL. 57 
 
 "I know he is expecting you," 
 
 The simple Florizel 
 Was much perplexed at all that passed, 
 
 And now he could not tell 
 
 Just what he ought to do himself. 
 
 " Oh, brother, come with me," 
 Said Edith," come and let us watch, 
 
 The King we soon may see." 
 
 Then toward the door the children start, 
 
 To join the watchers there; 
 Right gladly did he welcome then 
 
 Who shunned the tempter's snare. 
 
 And now around the banquet board 
 
 W T ere brilliant revellers seen. 
 Delicious fruits in pyramids 
 
 Of richest color, — green 3 
 
 And gold, and purple, too, piled high 
 On snow brought from the hills; 
 
 And wine was there from silver cups 1 - 
 Poured out like mountain rills. ; 
 
 Tall crystal vases held rare flowers 
 
 Whose heavy odors flung 
 Their rich perfume to sent the air 
 
 That round the revellers hung. 
 
52 THE RE VELLERS. 
 
 The lamps in gleaming splendor shone 
 
 In colors bright and red, 
 And on the joyous festal board 
 
 Their radiant light was shed. 
 
 And rich and fine the luscious grapes 
 
 In tempting" clusters shine, 
 Which bursting seemed with odorous juice, 
 
 Just gathered from the vine. 
 
 And at the banquet Leila sat, 
 
 And Hubert at her side; 
 The same proud smile was on her lip, 
 
 Her face in \vhheness vied 
 
 With lilies fair which crowned her hair. 
 
 She now on Hubert smiled, 
 And with corrupting flatteries 
 
 The youth was soon beguiled. 
 
 Now Roland's handsome, heartless lace 
 
 A look of triumph wore 
 To see the victim that he sought 
 
 Entangled more and more. 
 
 " The table is not full," said one. 
 
 Then proud Antonie laughed; 
 He scoffed at Hubert's troubled look 
 
 And of the wine he quaffed. 
 
THE BEVEL. 53 
 
 " There are some few who still believe 
 The King will surely come," 
 
 Said Roland," and they're bound to watch 
 For him to take them home. 
 
 " I should have thought the silly scare 
 
 Of half an hour ago 
 Would teach such folks their righteous King 
 
 Was coming very slow. 
 
 k ' Hubert, were you like all the rest, 
 
 So prompt to take alarm ? " 
 Hubert confessed that he had been, 
 
 And all the color warm 
 
 Rushed to his brow. " I felt no fear," 
 Said she with manner proud, 
 
 " In all the strange confusion one 
 Was forced to join the crowd; 
 
 u But still I felt no sign of fear. 
 
 The signs will always fail; 
 I know this coming of the King 
 
 Is but an idle tale." 
 
 " Indeed ! " said Hubert, startled at 
 
 This strange assertion cold, 
 " Do you not think that he will come 
 
 Ere morn as we've been told ? " 
 
54 THE REVELLERS. 
 
 " No, no," said Leila, " I believe 
 
 Most firmly he will not; 
 This vale will be just what it is 
 
 When our names are forgot. 
 
 " So often now we've been alarmed 
 And every face has paled, 
 
 I know that naught will come of it 
 Since every sign has failed." 
 
 "But if he were to come at last, — " 
 Said Hubert, who could not 
 
 So easily put away the fear 
 
 That occupied each thought. 
 
 "Well, well," said Leila, "what have I 
 
 To fear ? I but employ 
 My time about the things he left 
 
 For people to enjoy." 
 
 "But," answered Hubert, ' w Must we not 
 Have on the garments white? 
 
 Our staves all ready, and our lamps 
 Well filled and burning bright?" 
 
 "Oh I have very little faith 
 
 That that will needful be; 
 How can such trifling things affect 
 
 The Lord of all we see?" 
 
THE RE VEL. 55 
 
 And Leila drank the purple wine, 
 
 And Hubert drank it, too, 
 And all the revellers drank the wine 
 
 And m.)re hilarious grew. 
 
 Then suddenly the outer door 
 
 Burst open and a crowd 
 With faces white and terror-struck 
 
 Leaped in and shouted loud: 
 
 "The King ! the King! is now at hand ! 
 
 The King ! the King ! the King ! " 
 And with their shouts and frantic cries 
 
 The temple's arches ring. 
 
 The servants' terror was so great 
 
 That they could scarce express 
 The cause of all the wild alarm 
 
 That seemed each to possess. 
 
 A moment and the banquet scene 
 
 Was changed; a wild alarm 
 Siezed every one; the revellers screamed 
 
 At thought of sudden harm. 
 
 Wine-cups were overturned and rolled 
 
 Among the trampling feet; 
 Some cowered low, some tore their hair, 
 
 And some their bosoms beat. 
 
$6 THE REVELLERS. 
 
 Our Hubert turned n's pale as death 
 
 And clung to Leila's gown: 
 He started up, his frightened glance 
 
 Went -wandering up and down. 
 
 Far in the distance he could see 
 
 Theophilus' stately form 
 Standing in quiet with his lamp 
 
 To watch the coming storm. 
 
 And there were other figures, too, 
 
 Beside the wacthers there, 
 Though Hubert scarcely could discern 
 
 Just who the others were. 
 
 And now again the servants spoke: 
 
 "The Lord is close at hand, 
 His awful messengers without 
 
 Will slay the revel band." 
 
 " Who are these frightful messengers?" 
 
 Asked Roland, in a tone 
 That showed him struggling with a fear 
 
 He did not care to own. 
 
 " There ! there ! " cried one with staring eyes, 
 
 Pointing without the door. 
 " I can see nothing," said the youth, 
 
 "That we've not seen before. " 
 
THE REVEL. 57 
 
 Just then was heard a bitter scream, 
 
 And Una rushing in 
 Seized hold of Hubert, crying out 
 
 Above the clamorous din, 
 
 ' : Oil save me, save me, Hubert, dear ! 
 
 Oil save me from the foes !" 
 But Hubert spoke with that weak voice 
 
 Which faltering terror knows: 
 
 "No, Una, I've no power to save; 
 
 There is no place to hide. " 
 Trembling and pale Camillo came 
 
 And stood by Hubert's side. 
 
 He cried, " O Edith, happy child, 
 Would that we all had gone 
 
 To watch with you; now you are safe 
 And I am left alone." 
 
 Again did Una's piercing cry 
 
 Appall the hearts of all, 
 " Oh save me, save me, Hubert, set- ! " 
 
 She pointed down the hall. 
 
 And there in tall and awful form 
 
 Grim figures did appear, 
 And as they stepped within the room 
 
 All faces blanched with fear. 
 
58 THE REVELLERS. 
 
 They bore in one hand ponderous hi ok: 
 That were most closely sealed, 
 
 Aud in the other mighty hows 
 And arrows were revealed. 
 
 A flame before them withered all, 
 A flame behind them burned, 
 
 They marched like mighty men of war. 
 Nor right nor left they turned. 
 
 Like noise of chariots on the tops 
 Of mountains did they leap, 
 
 Before them all like Eden bloomed, 
 Behind a ruined heap. 
 
 At sight of them the lilies fade, 
 And verv strong men cuake, 
 
 And distant sounds of chariot wheels 
 The mightv mountains shake. 
 
 Then Roland caught a javelin up 
 And hurled it at the band; 
 
 Like lightning on its way it flew 
 Forth from his stalwart hand. 
 
 But though it struck the foremost one 
 And pierced his body through, 
 
 He never ceased his onward course, 
 And not a wound he knew. 
 
THE REVEL. J9 
 
 Now ail the revellers were mute 
 And n > one heard a sound; 
 
 Save now ;ind then a choking sigh, 
 'Twas silence all around. 
 
 On came the awful messengers. 
 
 Their mighty bows they drew, 
 And quickly through the silent air 
 
 Each shining arrow flew. 
 
 Some quivered in the vaulted roof, 
 Some struck the purple fruit, 
 
 And thick and fast the missiles fell 
 Among the revellers mute. 
 
 And everything the arrows touched 
 
 Did instant wither up; 
 The choicest viands were destroyed 
 
 And overturned each cup. 
 
 One arrow struck the haughty youth, - 
 Struck Roland in the breast, 
 
 Just as of Leila's frightened face 
 He made a careless jest. 
 
 He backward fell without a sigh 
 Expiring on the ground. 
 
 A cry of terror from the crowd 
 
 Burst forth in wailing sound. 
 
6o THE RE VELLERS. 
 
 Then suddenly the messengers 
 Stopped in their swift careen 
 
 Their message they delivered brief, 
 " The Lord is coming near. " 
 
 And turning round as rapidly 
 
 They vanished as they came. — 
 
 And round about them as before 
 
 There shone the burning flame. 
 
 The levellers were still alarmed. 
 
 I thought that now at least 
 They will prepare to meet their Lord. 
 
 They will forsake the feast. 
 
 I turned once more to view the ones 
 Who stood beside the door. 
 
 There still the quiet watchers were 
 Where they had stood before. 
 
 Theophilus had heard the noise 
 
 And sought to know the cause: 
 
 But he did never leave his post 
 Nor in his purpose pause. 
 
 And little Edith, too, was there: 
 To him she had drawn near. 
 
 And in her earnest watchful eye 
 I saw no sitrn of fear. 
 
THE REVEL. 61 
 
 And now a short time passed away 
 
 And all again was changed; 
 Again within the brilliant hall 
 
 Were banquet tables ranged. 
 
 Each reveller had resumed his place; 
 
 Again did music swell, 
 Once more the merry dancers thronged 
 
 Where Leila was the belle. 
 
 Forgotten now seemed Roland's death 
 
 And his pale form which lay 
 Pierced by the arrow; every lamp 
 
 Again sent forth its ray. 
 
 But Hubert standing there alone 
 
 Against a pillar tall 
 Seemed filled with great anxiety 
 
 For what should next befall. 
 
 His look of terror now had gone, 
 
 But still he stood in doubt, 
 Now gazing on the rapid dance, — 
 
 Now on the hills without. 
 
 And then he watched Theophilus 
 
 Still standing by the door. 
 The latter saw him. " Come, " said he. 
 " The night is almost o'er. 
 
62 THE R VELLERS. 
 
 "The time grows short, the morning dawns, 
 I've heard the cock crow twice, 
 
 The lamps do fade in dawning light, 
 Now do take my advice 
 
 "And come and watch, for presently 
 The King must now appear." 
 
 " I think I will, Theophilus, 
 And yet I greatly fear 
 
 "There is not time; I weary am 
 
 Of all this gayety; 
 I'm all disheveled, and I'm sure 
 
 I am not fit to see 
 
 "The king in such a sorry plight; 
 
 And I can never get 
 Myself prepared in time I know 
 
 Such hinderences beset.'" 
 
 "Come, Hubert, come,'' cried Leila's voice, 
 " Why stand you gazing yet ? 
 
 The dance grows merry once again. 
 Come, join another set. 
 
 "Do you still fear the messengers? 
 
 They have gone far away, 
 And you'll not see them here again 
 
 Before the dawning day. 
 
THE REVEL. 63 
 
 "The morning lingers, Hubert come." 
 "I fear the coming King," 
 
 Slid Hubert, "lie must even now 
 Be near; I know he'll bring 
 
 " Destruction to the revellers, 
 He must be close at band. 
 
 For twice the morning cock has crowed. 
 I think I'll take my stand 
 
 "Among the watchers." "Foolish boy,' 
 
 Replied the reveller, 
 "Hast thou not learned how empty and 
 
 How vain these warnings are ? 
 
 "But one more merry dance and then 
 We all will watch awhile." 
 
 But Hubert lingered, wavering still, 
 And gave no answering smile. 
 
 "Friend Hubert," said Theophilus, 
 "Your lamp you ought to trim; 
 
 The Lord is coming suddenly; 
 
 Come watch with us for him." 
 
 "Well, Hubert, well, I can not wait," 
 
 The haughty Leila cried, 
 "I'll lose the gayest part of all. 
 
 Pray, Hubert, do decide 
 
64 THE REVELLERS. 
 
 "To go with me. Long have I gazed 
 Through open pillars white, 
 
 But I can see no sign foretell 
 
 The King's approach to-night. 
 
 "The night is dark, the stais still shine 
 
 Like jewels in the dome, 
 And not a figure on the hills 
 
 Remains. Come, Hubert, come." 
 
 But Hubert, anxious, still remained 
 And leaned against the post; 
 
 And Leila, chiding, turned away. 
 And in the throng was lost. 
 
 While this was passing Florizel 
 
 Had crept to Edith's side, 
 And anxiously he sought to watch 
 
 Or in her shadow hide. 
 
 ''Please, Edith, show me how to watch; 
 
 I want to watch with you." 
 " Well, brother, you must trim your lamp, 
 
 And change your garments, too." 
 
 '•' I have already trimmed my lam}), 
 But 'twill not brightly burn; 
 
 The other lamps put it to shame 
 Which ever way I turn." 
 
THE REVEL. 6s 
 
 " May he some wine drops of the feast 
 Have mingled with the oil ! 
 
 They will destroy the brightest light, 
 The fairest garment soil." 
 
 Then Florizel withdrew apace, 
 
 His lamp to cleanse and trim, 
 
 And fondly with their anxious eyes 
 The watchers followed him. 
 
 Again I looked toward the group 
 That gathered round the door; 
 
 It seemed the circle that was there 
 Grew larger than before. 
 
 There stood Theophilus close to it, 
 
 And Edith by his side, 
 They wait with tranquil confidence 
 
 Whatever shall betide. 
 
 With eyes in deep attention bent 
 
 Upon a distant hill, 
 With burning lamps and garments white, 
 
 They both were standing still. 
 
 To revels and to banqueting 
 
 They gave no thought or heed, 
 
 They knew their righteous Lord and King 
 Was coming soon with speed. 
 
66 THE RE VELLERS. 
 
 A little farther in the hall 
 
 Was Hubert standing now; 
 
 A look of deep anxiety 
 
 Was on his troubled brow. 
 
 He turned now to Theophilus, 
 Now toward the revel hall, 
 
 Where, forming at the farther end, 
 He heard the dancers call. 
 
 But their appearance seemed unreal, 
 Like phantoms in the night; 
 
 And when the music sounded high 
 It seemed discordant quite. 
 
 But Leila, still the haughty belle, 
 Kept calling him away; 
 
 Sometimes he longed to go to her, 
 Sometimes he thought to stay. 
 
 Among the merrymakers now 
 Was gay Camillo found, 
 
 And Florizel had started, too, 
 But turning quickly round 
 
 He stood once more by Edith's side 
 
 And in a whisper said, 
 '"Sister, I think I'll watch with you. 
 
 For I am much afraid." 
 
THE REVEL. 67 
 
 "Do, Florizel," said she, "but oh, 
 Your garment must be changed, 
 
 Your reveller's dress will never do; 
 The King has so arranged 
 
 "That every one should wear a robe 
 
 Of spotless white which he 
 Himself provides for those who ask 
 
 In all humility." 
 
 "Well, presently I'll go and change." 
 
 " And see, dear Florizel, 
 You have no lamp." " Well, what's the use 
 
 Of one I pray you tell ? 
 
 "The revel lamps burn bright enough." 
 "Yes," said the child, "but they 
 
 Will all go out when he shall come 
 To lead us on the way." 
 
 "But, still" persisted Florizel, 
 
 "They now are burning bright." 
 
 And still he lingered, standing there 
 In his disordered plight. 
 
 " O Florizel, do go at once," 
 
 She pleaded earnestly, 
 " I know there is no time to lose." 
 
 He left her presently 
 
68 THE REVELLERS. 
 
 And darted off into the hall 
 
 Among the pillars fair; 
 But soon he had returned again 
 
 And did their vigils share. 
 
 "Theophilus," said the tremling voice 
 
 Of Hubert anxiously, — 
 "■Well," said the quiet watcher, "What 
 Would you have now with me ? " 
 
 "I'm frightened," said the youth. "At vvlv.it? 
 
 " Why, if the tale be true 
 That our great king shall come in wrath 
 
 Before the night is through, 
 
 " We of the revel shall fore ill." 
 
 " There is no doubt of it," 
 Theophilus said, " the revellers all 
 
 He'll cast into the pit." 
 
 "Yes, yes," said Hubert, "but pray tell 
 
 Me what I ought to do. 
 I cannot leave my comrades gay 
 
 And change my garment, too: 
 
 " I shall be laughed at, and the Lord 
 
 May not come after all, 
 And so for nothing I shall lose 
 
 The pleasure of the ball. 
 
THE REVEL. 69 
 
 " And then suppose that he should come 
 
 While I have gone to change 
 My dress, what should 1 do ? I feel 
 
 Disconsolate and strange, 
 
 "I know nut I low I oiiidht to act. 
 
 You, friend, arc h.ippy now. 
 F »r v 111 have long since fixed your pkice: 
 
 But I do know not how 
 
 " I should decide; so many things 
 
 May come before the end. 
 Mv mind is sore perplexed. The dance 
 
 I think I may attend 
 
 "Awhile, and still be back in time: 
 
 I know not what to do, 
 For, while I wish to join the dance, 
 
 I would be ready too." 
 
 Then slowly Hubert moved away: 
 
 Theophilus was pained; 
 But still with steadfast purpose all 
 
 The watchers yet remained. 
 
 Scarce half an hour had passed away, 
 
 A ruddy crimson glow 
 Lit up the east and shown upon 
 
 The loftv peaks of snow. 
 
7o THE REVELLERS. 
 
 Again the morning cocks crew loud. 
 And standing at the door 
 
 With burning lamps and ready staves 
 I saw there were but four: 
 
 Theophilus and Edith, too, 
 
 And Una clad in white, 
 And near them trustful Florizel 
 
 Whose lamp was burning bright. 
 
 And outside lingering near the rest 
 
 Behind a pillar there 
 Another stood with anxious look 
 
 And attitude of prayer. 
 
 Still he was dressed in purest white, 
 His staff was in his hand, 
 
 And yet it seemed he dared not come 
 To join the watchers' band. 
 
 Between him and Theophilus 
 I marked a difference great; 
 
 The former started at each sound, 
 The latter was sedate 
 
 And calm as one who has his house 
 
 In perfect order set; 
 Tho' evil ones should prosper now 
 
 He has no cause to fret. 
 
THE XEVEL. 71 
 
 The place where all the watchers stood 
 Now seemed profoundly still; 
 
 But at the hall's remoter end 
 The weary dancers fill 
 
 The air with shouts and boisterous glee; 
 
 Though some to sleep had gone, 
 And some in drunken stupor lay 
 
 Wrapped in oblivion. 
 
 And once again the crowing cock 
 Sent forth his warning cry, 
 
 And ere it ceased a mighty sound 
 Was rolling through the sky. 
 
 Then Una's face turned very pale, 
 
 And Florizel caught hold 
 Of Edith's dress. He thought the sound 
 
 The coming King foretold. 
 
 Again the mighty palace shook 
 
 To its foundation stone. 
 And rolling 'mong the hills they heard 
 
 The awful thunder's tone. 
 
 And yet no sleeper seemed to wake, 
 
 No reveller left his seat. 
 At other sounds they'd been alarmed 
 
 And started to their feet; 
 
THE REVELLERS. 
 
 But this they seemed to disregard; 
 
 But Una cried, "Oh look 
 Without, Theophilus, and see 
 
 Why 'twas the palace shook." 
 
 He opened wide the palace door 
 And gazed toward the hill; 
 
 The mists of early morning lay 
 Around it calm and still. 
 
 The sounds without had passed away. 
 
 "I'm weary now,'* said one. 
 " I think I'll go and rest awhile. 
 
 For no one seems to come." 
 
 "Stay, Florizel. do stay with us: 
 You know not what you do. 
 
 Von revellers are in peril wild; 
 I would that now I knew 
 
 "Where Hubert was. Camillo has 
 Gone past all hope I fear.'" 
 
 "I'm tired, too," said Una, "and 
 I wish the king were here.'' 
 
 Then all the watchers heard a voice. 
 
 That thrilled each waiting heart. 
 It pierced each mind with sudden gleam 
 
 Like hissing fiery dart: 
 
THE REVEL. 73 
 
 " Let all who are unjust and vile 
 
 Be vile and unjust still, 
 An J let each grovelling, filthy mind 
 
 Of vileness have its fill; 
 
 " Bat let the righteous, holy ones 
 Retain their righteousness; 
 
 For quickly now our King shall corne 
 The holy ones to bless. 
 
 Now all was quiet in the hall 
 
 Where Hubert walked among 
 
 The pillars. Soon he turned about 
 And then away he flung 
 
 His reveller's dress. "I'm going now," 
 
 He to Theophilus said, 
 "I'm going now to change my robe 
 
 For garment white instead." 
 
 "Now I have slept quite long enough," 
 
 Camillo said, "I will 
 Be up, the morn begins to break 
 
 Upon the distant hill. 
 
 '"And ere the Lord shall find me here 
 And I must be gone away. 
 
 Whnt fools those silly people are 
 To watch till dawning day. 
 
74 THE RE VELLERS. 
 
 "I have enjoyed the revel bright, 
 The banquet and the dance, 
 
 I've slept and am awake again, 
 And have as good a chance 
 
 " As any one to be prepared . 
 
 To meet the coming King. 
 I think the people all were Tools 
 
 Who lost the revelling." 
 
 But neither of the young men knew 
 That it was now too late, 
 
 And that the righteous judge ol all 
 Had justly sealed their late. 
 
 '• Why, surely, here is morning light,''" 
 Said Leila, throwing down 
 
 Her dice, and starting bum her couch 
 She looked up with a frown. 
 
 "What lolly in those silly ones 
 To give up all the dance 
 
 And spend the time in watching there 
 For such a meagre chance. 
 
 " Tne morning light is breaking now, 
 And still no Lord is here; 
 
 I'm sure it was a foolish thing 
 To spend the night in fear. 
 
THE REVEL. 75 
 
 "I know that he will never come: 
 So bring fresh oil and wine, 
 
 Let us revive the sinking lamps 
 
 And make their splendor shine. 
 
 " With feast and mirth again we'll join 
 To close the morning light; 
 
 Let us begin again, and we 
 
 Will think it still is night." 
 
76 THE RE VELIEES. 
 
 CHAPTER THREE 
 
 THE EVERLASTING MORNING. 
 
 Then I awoke and slept again,— 
 Again I saw the lovely plain, 
 But when I listened for the strain 
 
 Of music from the temple tall 
 That on the listening ear should fall 
 I heard no revel sounds at all. 
 
 I sought the marble palace fair, 
 
 And, searching through the moonlight air, 
 
 I saw a heap of ruins there. 
 
 I wandered by the gliding stream 
 That I had seen in former dream, — 
 I heard the owl and raven scream, 
 
 The cormorant and dragon great, 
 
 And screech-owl wild bemoan their fate, 
 
 And none of these did want her mate. 
 
THE EVERLASTING MORNING. 
 
 I reached that heap of ruins wild 
 Where once had love and beauty smiled 
 On noble youth and lovely child. 
 
 A wild rose scrambled o'er the wall 
 Where lay the marble pillars tall 
 That stood beside the entrance hall; 
 
 And its reflection, soft and white, 
 From placid waters still and bright, 
 Shone clearly on my wondering sight. 
 
 Each buried shaft and bn ken stone, 
 Pillar and architrave o'erthrown 
 Were there in wild confusion strown. 
 
 Insects passed by with noiseless flight 
 And soon had vanished from my sight 
 Lost in the shades of deepest night. 
 
 I stopped to gaze. There was the hall 
 Where Leila planned the brilliant ball, 
 And Hubert listened to her call. 
 
 There did each quiet watcher stand 
 Prepared with lamp and staff in hand 
 For journey to the better land. 
 
 While thus I mused I heard a sound 
 Which made me start and look around, 
 And seated on a stone I found 
 
78 THE REVELLERS. 
 
 The same old man I'd >etn before 
 
 The same deep, thoughtful look he wore, 
 
 His hair seemed whiter than of yore. 
 
 As I approached he heard a stir 
 
 Of leaves; he looked at me. "Oh, sir," 
 
 Said I, " where are the ones who were 
 
 "Within the palace when it stood 
 In former splendor? If I could 
 I'd learn of them: I know I should 
 
 " Be greatly pleased to hear you tell 
 Of those I learned to love so well, — 
 Theophilus and Florizel, 
 
 "And others, too, who spent the night 
 
 In watching in their garments white, 
 
 And kept their small lamps burning bright. 
 
 Said he, "They all have passed away; 
 The night soon past, at dawning day 
 The King had taken all away!" 
 
 He paused a moment and ja sigh 
 Escaped him; from his^ged eye 
 A tear stole forth; again did I 
 
 Request that he would tell me all 
 
 About the scene that did befall 
 
 Those who were at the revel hall., j : 1 
 
THE E VERLAST1NG MORNING. 7p 
 
 "The scene," he said, "was very strange; 
 There came an unexpected change 
 O'er all the earth; the mountain range 
 
 " Did shake and tremble mightily, — 
 Great rocks were rent, — - the roaring sea 
 Cast o'er the land its wild debris. 
 
 " Then every island fled away, — 
 
 The graves were opened, — those who lay 
 
 For ages now came forth; the day 
 
 " Was one of terror passing great 
 For those who had not cared to wait 
 To meet the King in his .estate. 
 
 " He came upon a great white cloud, 
 Which soon became a shining crowd 
 Of angels who before him bowed. 
 
 " O'er him a glowing rainbow spread, 
 A golden crown was on his head, 
 And in his hand a sickle red. 
 
 " Then gazing toward the palace I 
 Hjard the exceeding bitter cry 
 Of one in greatest agony. 
 
 " Then men from out the palace door 
 A form like haughty Leila's bore; 
 The revel garments that she wore 
 
80 THE REVELLERS. 
 
 " When brought to light seemed stained and rent: 
 The night in revels she had spent 
 And now a bitter cry she sent 
 
 " Which pierced the hearts of all who heard. 
 Then stern and awful forms appeared, 
 Whose presence all the revellers feared. 
 
 "They seized her, heeding not her cry. 
 She begged that they would let her try 
 Once more; but still they swiftly fly. 
 
 " And now she cursed her haughty pride, 
 And called on rocks and hills to hide 
 Or crush her in their caverns wide. 
 
 " These heeded not how sore she wept, 
 But each its own foundation kept, — 
 In everlasting silence slept. 
 
 "She called unto the palace tall, 
 
 And begged that it might crumbling fall 
 
 And bury neath its massive wall 
 
 " Her guilty head; but still it stood 
 In silence there. No one now could 
 Save or assist her if he would. 
 
 " ' Twas very piteous to hear 
 
 Her agonizing cries of fear 
 
 When there was none to help her near. 
 
THE E VERLASTING MORNING. Si 
 
 "Repentance came, but all too late. 
 Oh! sadly she bemoaned her fate, 
 And sore bewailed her lost estate. 
 
 "I heard her cry, 'I am undone ! 
 Oh me ! my brief probation's run. 
 My punishment has now begun. '" 
 
 "Where did they take her then?" asked I. 
 "I did not see," he made reply, 
 "Somewhere anion;* the mountains high. 
 
 "I could not follow that swift flight. 
 They soon had passed beyond my sight, 
 And all were lost in shades of night. 
 
 "But I doubt not they left her there 
 To perish in her mad despair; 
 For, borne upon the chilling air, 
 
 " I heard a voice which seemed to say, 
 'Now let her there in silence stay 
 Till second resurrection day.' " 
 
 " Please tell me of Camillo, too," 
 Said I, " the one who scoffed at you 
 And revelled all the long night through." 
 
 "Ah, yes ! " said he, "he scoffed no more, 
 His bitter smile of scorn was o'er, 
 He hurried to the palace door 
 
82 THE REVELLERS. 
 
 "To find the way to where lie laid 
 His staff and garments when he made 
 His choice to join the gay parade. 
 
 " But he could never find the place. 
 Once and again he would retrace 
 His wandering steps; his anxious face 
 
 "Grew dark with terror and dismay. 
 He could by no means find the way; . 
 But evermore he seemed to stray 
 
 "From post to post. He thought he knew 
 Quite well the hall; but hastening through 
 Its rooms and doors, the wild wind blew 
 
 "Each revel lamp, till all was dark, 
 And not a thing remained to mark 
 The way; but staring wild and stark 
 
 " He groaned in great despair. Those who 
 Saw him say that the poor boy knew 
 Not where he was, but ever grew 
 
 "Still more perplexed. At every turn 
 He cried aloud that he might learn 
 The way he sought. In deep concern 
 
 " He cried, ' Oh, who will show me now 
 Where I may find my lam)) ? I know 
 Not where to look; will no one show 
 
THE E VERLASTING MORNING. 83 
 
 " ' Me where I left my garment white ? ' 
 And then he ran with all his might 
 To seek some refuge from his fright. 
 
 '* But no one heeded his despair, 
 Nor his shrill cries that rent the air. 
 Now all too late his bitter prayer 
 
 " Was heard. At length the messengers 
 Of vcngence see him. Now occurs 
 Another scene, — his fate like hers 
 
 " I saw before, — toward the hill 
 Where Leila was they went until 
 They shut him up, and all was still. " 
 
 '• Indeed," said I, " what thou hast told 
 Djth make my very blood run cold. 
 Njw, sir, if I am not too bold, 
 
 " I wish that I might learn of those 
 Who heard thy warning and who chose 
 To leave the revel ere its close. " 
 
 Then his eye kindled at the thought 
 
 Of memories which my question brought, 
 
 And for a time it seemed he sought 
 
 For words in which he could express 
 
 The state of untold happiness 
 
 In those the King had deigned to bless. 
 
84 THE REVELLERS. 
 
 "Oh would I cauld," he said, " find word 
 To tell what rapturous feelings stirred 
 Tiie ones who waited for their Lord! 
 
 '■ fheop'iilus, an 1 Una, too, 
 
 And Florizel, and Edith who 
 
 Had watched for him the long night through. 
 
 "I saw them, sir, fro n wiiere I stool 
 Below the palace in the wood. 
 My maid was in its s 1 1 lest mo >d, 
 
 "F >r I had viewed with deep concern 
 These strange, wild scenes. At length I turn 
 To see what further I can learn 
 
 "About the rest. Just as my ear 
 Did sounds of heavenly music: hear, 
 The morning sun did bright appear 
 
 "Above the mountain tops. It shone 
 Full on the temple's guilded dome, 
 Reflected from each p Wished stone. 
 
 " Forth from the pillared portico 
 A train set out; the dazzling glow 
 Of their bright garments none can know 
 
 "Who have not seen the like; the light 
 Of day did seem as darkest night; 
 My old eyes dazzled with the sight 
 
THE E VERLASTJNG MORNING. 85 
 
 " In such degree I looked away; 
 But oh, how glad I am to say 
 [ was allowed to see that day! 
 
 "First came the messengers so bright. 
 E ich oae was clad in dazzling white, 
 And each prepared for heavenly flight. 
 
 " Each bore a harp within his hand; 
 And, touching each melodious strand, 
 Such music floated o'er the land 
 
 "As made the tears in torrents flow 
 Down these old withered cheeks; I know 
 Not why. The music seemed to go 
 
 "Along the margin of the stream 
 Until the very birds did seem 
 To listen as if in a dream. 
 
 '' I can not tell you in a word 
 Of all the lovely things I heard 
 From those who wait upon their Lord. 
 
 "The train of bright ones was so long, — 
 So great the numbers of that throng, — 
 So many measures to their song, 
 
 "I thought the end would never come. 
 No mortal man could count the sum 
 Of those who led the watchers home. 
 
86 THE RE VELLERS. 
 
 " And when the long and shining train 
 Had passed beyond the valley's plain 
 I saw them issue forth again 
 
 " Beyond the hills in fields of light, — 
 In plains whose dazzling splendor bright 
 Shall never know T the shades of night. 
 
 u Then came the watcher's happy band; 
 Each bore a palm-branch in his hand, 
 And sang the songs of Canaan's land. 
 
 " Theophilus was the first who came, — 
 His garment was like shining flame,- -- 
 On it I saw his own new name. 
 
 " A golden crown was on his brow, — 
 His face did like an angel's glow, — 
 And he could no more sorrow know. 
 
 " He slowly left the pillared hall,— 
 
 The place where he had watched tho' all 
 
 Had left him for the brilliant ball, — 
 
 "And as he looked upon the gleam 
 
 Of shining ones, and saw the beam 
 
 Of their bright light, and heard the stream 
 
 " Of music that now filled his soul 
 And led him to the shining goal 
 Where sunlit waters ceaseless roll, — ; 
 
THE E VERLAST1NG MORNING. 87 
 
 " He seemed to feel such perfect peace, — 
 Such joy at his long-sought release, 
 As did my wonder much increase. 
 
 " I stood there gazing at him long 
 And listening to his victor's song 
 While following that shining throng. 
 
 ' ; There was such rapture and repose 
 
 In his calm eye as only those 
 
 Can know who watch until the close 
 
 " Of earth's dark night. It seemed to me 
 As if all nature did agree 
 To furnish heavenly melody. 
 
 " Not only did the angels sing, 
 But all around there seemed to spring- 
 Up softly from the wandering 
 
 •'Blue water, and the golden trees, 
 The crimson sky, the trembling breeze, 
 The most exquisite harmonies. 
 
 ,; And all in unison declare, 
 
 ' How blessed all the watchers are 
 
 And every one who doth prepare 
 
 " To meet his Lord. Now he has come 
 To take them to their glorious home 
 Where they in fields of light shall roam/ " 
 
88 THE REVELLERS. 
 
 The old man paused. " Indeed, " said I, 
 
 " I wonder that all do try 
 
 To win such pleasure, by and by." 
 
 " ' Tis strange that more do not," said he. 
 Again I spoke, " Pray do tell me 
 What was the last that you could see." 
 
 "I fancied that I saw the fold 
 Of his white garment as it rolled 
 Beyond the hills; but now, behold, 
 
 " My mind was occupied with those 
 
 Who like Th^ophilus had chose 
 
 To watch until the brief night's close. 
 
 " Edith and Una, hand in hand, 
 
 Came next; they too had joined the band 
 
 That journeyed to the happy land. 
 
 " Do you remember them ? " " Quite well; 
 The ones who stopped to hear you tell 
 The warning words to Florizel." 
 
 " The same, " he. said, "each sweet child wore 
 
 A crown of gold, and each one bore 
 
 A palm-branch fair, — they seemed no more 
 
 " A part of earth: so full of light 
 And peace purity, — so bright 
 Each countenance, and such delight 
 
THE EVERLASTING MORNING. 
 
 *' Each felt, that, bursiing forth in song, 
 They followed ihat bright angel throng. 
 As their bright garments swept along 
 
 " I thought, ' Tney ne'er will weep again, 
 But free from sorrow, free from pain, 
 Eternal riches they shall gain.' 
 
 " I longed to follow them and gaze 
 On what they saw, as they would raise 
 Tneir eyes and smile in rapt amaze. 
 
 "Just as they crossed the threshold ail 
 Behind them in the palace hall, 
 And all around them, from the tall 
 
 '' Tree-tops, to every flower and spear 
 
 Of grass that grew around so near 
 
 The stream, spoke words I loved to hear. 
 
 " ' Well done,' said they, 'now enter ye 
 Into the joy of him who'll be 
 Your king throughout eternity.' 
 
 " How glad I was to hear that sound ! 
 And as their garments swept the ground, 
 And in the long procession wound, 
 
 " I longed to mark upon the sod 
 The place their blessed footsteps trod 
 While journeying to meet their God. 
 
go THE REVELLERS. 
 
 "Young Florizel now followed them, — 
 
 Upon his brow a diadem 
 
 And bells upon his garment's hem. 
 
 "As happy as a lamb in spring, — 
 Like pure white roses just opening, — 
 Like pearl within a shining ring. 
 
 " But oh ! the vision that came now,— 
 Such change I saw on Urban's brow 
 I longed his happiness to know. 
 
 "' Do you remember how he stood 
 
 Before us in the shady wood 
 
 And knit his brow in anxious mood? 
 
 " Well, sir, that look no more was seen, 
 But in its stead smile so serene, — 
 So placid, full of peace, I ween 
 
 <( No one ere saw the like before. 
 A palm-branch in his hand he bore, 
 And such a look of joy he wore — 
 
 " He seemed unable to express 
 The joy that now had come to bless 
 His watching with such great success. 
 
 " Oh, yes, the look of doubt which he 
 Once had was gone, uncertainty 
 Into intense reality 
 
THE E VERLAST1NG MORNING, pi 
 
 " Was changed; anxiety to rest. 
 So greatly was the watcher blessed 
 His rapture could not be expressed. 
 
 "And as he crossed the threshold there 
 
 Was borne upon the perfumed air 
 
 A voice that seemed an answered prayer. 
 
 " It seemed to say, ' Go now in peace, 
 From vigils thou art now released, 
 And thou art bidden to the feast. ' 
 
 " 'Go now in peace,' oh blessed word L 
 What rapture will this voice afford 
 To those who wait upon their Lord ! 
 
 "So long as I could see him still 
 I watched the happy band until 
 They passed beyond the distant hilL 
 
 "Indeed by looking close you might 
 Have caught a momentary sight 
 Of those they meet in fields of light. 
 
 " 'Twas there a gorgeous city shone 
 With light from each foundation stone 
 Whose radiant splendors are unknown. 
 
 " And as I caught one distant gleam 
 Of lights that from its mansions stream 
 How poor did all the revel seem ! 
 
Q2 THE REVELLERS. 
 
 " And now there was a sudden sound 
 Which made me start and look around, 
 And all about this place I found 
 
 " The heap of ruin that you see. 
 
 So altered was the scene to me 
 
 Who knew each path, each flower, and tree 
 
 " That I have found it hard to trace 
 Even the threshold of the place, 
 The great earthquake did so efface 
 
 •' All former splendor. When the last 
 Of that bright band had safely passed 
 It dissappeared. But here is cast 
 
 " My lot. To me 'tis hallowed ground. 
 Until I hear the welcome sound 
 To go, I must be faithful found. 
 
 ; ' But now I love to wander here 
 Among the fragments old and sear, 
 And often to my listening ear 
 
 •'I hear the sound of voices wild, 
 Or fancy I can see some child 
 That once among the revellers smiled. 
 
 " In moonlight visions oft' I see 
 Theophilus as he used to be, — 
 A watcher through the revelry. 
 
THE E VER LA STING MORNING. <pj 
 
 " See Edith leave the brilliant ball, 
 See Urban standing by the hall 
 And heeding not the music's call. 
 
 "The revel now has passed away; 
 No longer do the young and gay 
 Sweep through the hall in brilliant play; 
 
 " But deeper far than I can tell, 
 Like tones of some great solemn bell, 
 There comes a voice whose echoes swell 
 
 ; " Upon my hear!. It seems to say, 
 Those blessed ones who watch and pray 
 Shall some lay see a brighter day-'" 
 
 The '^o >d in in paused; his tale was told; 
 And tears he could no longer hold 
 Down his old cheeks in torrents rolled. 
 
 He bowed his head as if t<> pray, 
 And, feeling he'd no more to say, 
 I turned around and walked away. 
 
 My heart was full; I longed to be 
 Like those who shunned the revelry 
 And won eternal victory. 
 
 And I determined that I, too, 
 
 Would watch for him e'en though I knew 
 
 No feast or mirth the long night through. 
 
M 
 
 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
 HHummi 
 
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