XLVIII. "And what a scene there, through the door! The forest behind and the garden before, 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 B All the Saints and Guardian Angels Throng in legions to protect it; THE BELLS. Laudo Deum verum! Plebem voco! Congrego clerum! LUCIFER. Lower! lower! Hover downward! Seize the loud, vociferous bells, and Clashing, clanging, to the pavement Hurl them from their windy tower! VOICES. All thy thunders Here are harmless! For these bells have been anointed, And baptised with holy water! They defy our utmost power. THE BELLS. Defunctos ploro! Pestem fugo! Festa decoro! |