n THE HUMAN TRAGEDY 95

LXXXIV

" And learned men its famous Chapter fill,
Learned and breathed on by the Holy Ghost,
Chief among whom, in days they talk of still.
This little town could for its pastor boast.
He in my budding soul was first to instil
Sweet precepts, tidings from the heavenly host,
Love of my dear Madonna, and a life
That never thought to find in fondness, strife.
LXXXV

"Come, let us go, and, if you will, afoot,

And to that far-off goal make pilgrimage ;

And our joint journey in your heart may put

Wise counsel, and your cruel doubts assuage.
If not, then he — for I will set him to 't, —

With heavenly argument and reason sage

Shall melt the ear which to my prayer is cold.
And win you back, lost sheep, to Christ's dear fold."

LXXXVI

Now woke the morn, fresh as a maiden wakes,
And, while the world still slept, forth hand in hand
Went Godfrid and Olympia. Lagging flakes
Of silvery mist, by light gales curled and fanned,
Fled up the hill ; from feathery-foliaged brakes
There rang melodious matins ; on the sand.
And on the sea, glistened a pearly dew ;
And, over both, bright bent the heavens blue.
96 THE HUMAN TRAGEDY

LXXXVII

He had a leathern satchel at his back,

And in her breast a missal small she bore ;

And, their sole burden these, they took the track

That lies between the mountains and the shore.
On the smooth main was many a white-sailed smack,

Upon the hillside many a ruin hoar ;

With many a fluttering wing the air was sown,

But on the mountain road themselves alone.
