England and Yesterday — In a Ruin, after a Thunderstorm

IN A RUIN, AFTER A THUNDERSTORM.

Keep of the Norman, old to flood and cloud!

Thou dost reproach me with thy sunset look, That in our common menace, I forsook Hope, the last fear, and stood impartial proud: Almost, almost, while ether spake aloud, Death, from the smoking stones, my spirit shook Into thy hollow as leaves into a brook, No more than they by heaven’s assassins cowed.

But now thy thousand-scarrèd steep is flecked With the calm kisses of the light delayed, Breathe on me better valour: to subject My soul to greed of life, and grow afraid Lest, ere her fight’s full term, the Architect See downfall of the stronghold that He made.