MIDNIGHT
Elvira was enjoying a profound and quiet slumber ; Her cheek glowed with health 's returning colours : A smile declared that her dreams were pleasant , and as Antonia bent over her , She fancied that She heard her name pronounced . She kissed her Mother 's forehead softly , and retired to her chamber . There She knelt before a Statue of St. Rosolia , her Patroness ; She recommended herself to the protection of heaven , and as had been her custom from infancy , concluded her devotions by chaunting the following Stanzas . MIDNIGHT HYMN Now all is hushed ; The solemn chime No longer swells the nightly gale : Thy awful presence , Hour sublime , With spotless heart once more I hail . 'T is now the moment still and dread , When Sorcerers use their baleful power ; When Graves give up their buried dead To profit by the sanctioned hour : From guilt and guilty thoughts secure , To duty and devotion true , With bosom light and conscience pure , Repose , thy gentle aid I woo . Good Angels , take my thanks , that still The snares of vice I view with scorn ; Thanks , that to-night as free from ill I sleep , as when I woke at morn . Yet may not my unconscious breast Harbour some guilt to me unknown ?