Canto III.]
Orion.
133
Billows of darkness with a dirging roar,
Which by gradations of high harmony
Merged in triumphal strains. Their earnest eyes
Filled with the darkness, and their hands still clasped,
Kneeling the Goddesses bright rays perceived,
Reflected, glance before them. Mute they rose
With tender consciousness; and, hand in hand,
Turning, they saw slow rising from the sea
The luminous Giant clad in blazing stars,
New-born and trembling from their Maker's breath,—
Divine, refulgent effluence of Love.
With pale gold shield, like a translucent moon
Through which the morning with ascending cheek
Sheds a soft blush, warming cerulean veins;
With radiant belt of glory, typical
Of happy change that o'er the zodiac round
Of the world's monstrous phantasies shall come;
And in his hand a sword of peaceful power,
Streaming like a meteor to direct the earth
To victory over life's distress, and shew
The future path whose light runs through death's glooms;
In grandeur, like the birth of Motion, rose
The glorious Giant, tow'rds his place in heaven;
And, while ascending, thus his Spirit sung.
Which by gradations of high harmony
Merged in triumphal strains. Their earnest eyes
Filled with the darkness, and their hands still clasped,
Kneeling the Goddesses bright rays perceived,
Reflected, glance before them. Mute they rose
With tender consciousness; and, hand in hand,
Turning, they saw slow rising from the sea
The luminous Giant clad in blazing stars,
New-born and trembling from their Maker's breath,—
Divine, refulgent effluence of Love.
With pale gold shield, like a translucent moon
Through which the morning with ascending cheek
Sheds a soft blush, warming cerulean veins;
With radiant belt of glory, typical
Of happy change that o'er the zodiac round
Of the world's monstrous phantasies shall come;
And in his hand a sword of peaceful power,
Streaming like a meteor to direct the earth
To victory over life's distress, and shew
The future path whose light runs through death's glooms;
In grandeur, like the birth of Motion, rose
The glorious Giant, tow'rds his place in heaven;
And, while ascending, thus his Spirit sung.
