Enfolded in his golden wings they lie,

And fancied triumphs swell in every eye:

Each bounds in thought the airy champaign o'er,

And grasps the prize, distain'd with streaming gore.

Now move the summoned peers, a shining train,

To where the palace glitters o'er the plain.

[Pg 38]

The opening gate receives the pompous throng;

Thence to the festive room they move along,

Where tapers, rang'd in lofty rows, display

An added splendour, and nocturnal day.

There, till the close of night, the bowls go round,

And the full board with luxury is crown'd.

[Pg 39]

[Pg 39]

BOOK II.

[Pg 40]

[Pg 40]

ARGUMENT.

Soliloquies of Ernestus and Harfagar in prison—Christiern in a conversation with his peers throws further light on the rebellion of Prince Frederic in Denmark—He employs Olaus to carry Ernestus and Harfagar, in a boat, into the sea, and there assassinate them—Death of Olaus and Harfagar—Ernestus is ordered by the genius of Sweden, to seek Gustavus Vasa, hero of the poem, in Dalecarlia—Character of Admiral Norbi.

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