On purple clouds some dark contagion creeps:

From eastern climes proceeding swift and fell,

Where torrid suns the ripen'd poison swell;

Borne on infected gales along the skies

Th' ethereal store of vast destruction flies,

O'er interposing deserts wins its way,

Blasts the green vale, and withers cheerful day;

Then settling on the walls, with steaming breath

Pours thro' the thicken'd air disease and death.

[Pg 59]

And now in view the ancient castle frown'd,

With many a dim-appearing turret crown'd:

Here, round the gloomy doors, the warder-band

(A watchful train) in silent order stand.

The jarring gates unfold: two torches play

Thro' the broad gloom, and point the darksome way.

First to Ernestus' cell his way he took,

And from th' astonish'd youth his fetters shook.

Next to the sage, now wrapp'd in slumber, sped,

Loos'd his firm chain, and rais'd his sleeping head;

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