Classic Poem

The Watchman.

D ULL thunders moan around the Temple Rock,
And deep in hollow caves, far underneath,
The lonely watchman feels the sullen shock,
His footsteps timing as the low winds breathe;
Hark! from the Shrine is ask'd, What stedfast heart
Dares in the storm go forth? Who takes th' Almighty's part?

And with a bold gleam flush'd, full many a brow
Is rais'd to say, " Behold me, Lord, and send. "
But ere the words be breathed, some broken vow
Remember'd, ties the tongue; and sadly blend
With Faith's pure incense, clouds of conscience dim,
And faltering tones of guilt mar the Confessor's hymn.