With her Companion, in such frame Of mind, to Rylstone back she came; And, ranging[197] through the wasted groves, Received the memory of old loves, Undisturbed and undistrest, 205 Into a soul which now was blest With a soft spring-day of holy, Mild, and grateful, melancholy:[198] Not sunless gloom or unenlightened, But by tender fancies brightened. 210
When the bells of Rylstone played Their sabbath music--"=God us ayde!="[TT] That was the sound they seemed to speak; Inscriptive legend which I ween May on those holy bells be seen, 215 That legend and her Grandsire's name; And oftentimes the Lady meek Had in her childhood read the same; Words which she slighted at that day; But now, when such sad change was wrought, 220 And of that lonely name she thought, The bells of Rylstone seemed to say, While she sate listening in the shade, With vocal music, "=God us ayde;=" And all the hills were glad to bear 225 Their part in this effectual prayer.
Nor lacked she Reason's firmest power; But with the White Doe at her side Up would she climb to Norton Tower, And thence look round her far and wide, 230 Her fate there measuring;--all is stilled,-- The weak One hath subdued her heart;[199] Behold the prophecy fulfilled, Fulfilled, and she sustains her part! But here her Brother's words have failed; 235 Here hath a milder doom prevailed; That she, of him and all bereft, Hath yet this faithful Partner left; This one Associate[200] that disproves His words, remains for her, and loves. 240 If tears are shed, they do not fall For loss of him--for one, or all; Yet, sometimes, sometimes doth she weep Moved gently in her soul's soft sleep; A few tears down her cheek descend 245 For this her last and living Friend.
Bless, tender Hearts, their mutual lot, And bless for both this savage spot; Which Emily doth sacred hold For reasons dear and manifold-- 250 Here hath she, here before her sight, Close to the summit of this height, The grassy rock-encircled Pound[UU] In which the Creature first was found. So beautiful the timid Thrall 255 (A spotless Youngling white as foam) Her youngest Brother brought it home; The youngest, then a lusty boy, Bore it, or led, to Rylstone-hall With heart brimful of pride and joy![201] 260