Part 1 (1/2)

The Golden Legend.

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

PROLOGUE.

THE SPIRE OF STRASBURG CATHEDRAL.

_Night and storm._ LUCIFER, _with the Powers of the Air, trying to tear down the Cross._

_Lucifer._ HASTEN! hasten!

O ye spirits!

From its station drag the ponderous Cross of iron, that to mock us Is uplifted high in air!

_Voices._ O, we cannot!

For around it All the Saints and Guardian Angels Throng in legions to protect it; They defeat us everywhere!

_The Bells._ Laudo Deum verum Plebem voco!

Congrego clerum!

_Lucifer._ Lower! lower!

Hover downward!

Seize the loud, vociferous bells, and Clas.h.i.+ng, clanging, to the pavement Hurl them from their windy tower!

_Voices._ All thy thunders Here are harmless!

For these bells have been anointed, And baptized with holy water!

They defy our utmost power.

_The Bells._ Defunctos ploro!

Pestem fugo!

Festa decoro!

_Lucifer._ Shake the cas.e.m.e.nts!

Break the painted Panes that flame with gold and crimson!

Scatter them like leaves of Autumn, Swept away before the blast!

_Voices._ O, we cannot!

The Archangel Michael flames from every window, With the sword of fire that drove us Headlong, out of heaven, aghast!

_The Bells._ Funera plango!

Fulgora frango!

Sabbata pango!

_Lucifer._ Aim your lightnings At the oaken, Ma.s.sive, iron-studded portals!

Sack the house of G.o.d, and scatter Wide the ashes of the dead!

_Voices._ O, we cannot!