JUVENILE VERSES. 581 



II. 



Hewn from the rock was that cavern so dreary, 



And the entrance by bushes was hid from the sight, 



But he found his way in, and with travelling weary, 

 With joy he beheld in the darkness a light. 



And in a recess of that wonderful dwelling, 



He heard the strange song of the witch wildly swelling, 



In magical numbers unceasingly telling 



The fortunes of kingdoms, the issue of fight. 



in. 



Up rose the witch as the traveller entered, 

 " Welcome," she said, " and what news from the king ; 

 And why to inquire of me thus has he ventured, 



When he knows that the answer destruction will bring ? 

 Sit here and attend." Then her pale visage turning 

 To where the dim lamp in the darkness was burning, 

 She took up a book of her magical learning, 



And prepared in prophetical numbers to sing. 



IV. 



Now she is seated, the curtain is o'er her, 

 The god is upon her ; attend then and hear ! 



The vapour is rising in volumes before her, 

 And forms of the future in darkness appear. 



Hark, now the god inspiration is bringing, 



'Tis not her voice through the cavern is ringing ; 



No, for the song her familiar is singing, 



And these were the words of the maddening seer. 



v. 



" Slave of the monarch, return to thy master, 



Whisper these words in Nathalocus' ear ; 

 Tell him, from me, that Old Time can fly faster 



Than he is aware, for his death hour is near ; 

 Tell him his fate with the mystery due it, 

 But let him not know of the hand that shall do it ;" 



