55. 
One seat was vacant in the midst, a throne,
Reared on a pyramid like sculptured flame,
Distinct with circling steps which rested on 615
Their own deep fire—­soon as the Woman came
Into that hall, she shrieked the Spirit’s name
And fell; and vanished slowly from the sight. 
Darkness arose from her dissolving frame,
Which gathering, filled that dome of woven light, 620
Blotting its sphered stars with supernatural night.

56. 
Then first, two glittering lights were seen to glide
In circles on the amethystine floor,
Small serpent eyes trailing from side to side,
Like meteors on a river’s grassy shore, 625
They round each other rolled, dilating more
And more—­then rose, commingling into one,
One clear and mighty planet hanging o’er
A cloud of deepest shadow, which was thrown
Athwart the glowing steps and the crystalline throne. 630

57. 
The cloud which rested on that cone of flame
Was cloven; beneath the planet sate a Form,
Fairer than tongue can speak or thought may frame,
The radiance of whose limbs rose-like and warm
Flowed forth, and did with softest light inform 635
The shadowy dome, the sculptures, and the state
Of those assembled shapes—­with clinging charm
Sinking upon their hearts and mine.  He sate
Majestic, yet most mild—­calm, yet compassionate.

58. 
Wonder and joy a passing faintness threw 640
Over my brow—­a hand supported me,
Whose touch was magic strength; an eye of blue
Looked into mine, like moonlight, soothingly;
And a voice said:—­’Thou must a listener be
This day—­two mighty Spirits now return, 645
Like birds of calm, from the world’s raging sea,
They pour fresh light from Hope’s immortal urn;
A tale of human power—­despair not—­list and learn!

59. 
I looked, and lo! one stood forth eloquently. 
His eyes were dark and deep, and the clear brow 650
Which shadowed them was like the morning sky,
The cloudless Heaven of Spring, when in their flow
Through the bright air, the soft winds as they blow
Wake the green world—­his gestures did obey
The oracular mind that made his features glow, 655
And where his curved lips half-open lay,
Passion’s divinest stream had made impetuous way.

60. 
Beneath the darkness of his outspread hair
He stood thus beautiful; but there was One
Who sate beside him like his shadow there, 660
And held his hand—­far lovelier; she was known
To be thus fair, by the few lines alone
Which through her floating locks and gathered cloak,
Glances of soul-dissolving glory, shone:—­
None else beheld her eyes—­in him they woke 665
Memories which found a tongue as thus he silence broke.