Penny Dreadfuls, 1812 · page 122 of 258
Psyche, and other poems — page 122: what you’re looking at
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# Page 104: Running Prose This is page 104 of running verse narrative. The text describes a divine vision of the towers of Castabella appearing before a character's eyes, praised in ornate language as a celestial temple. It then recounts how a dove (apparently a messenger) reaches Castabella's seat while two other figures—Psyche and a knight—are barred from the gates. The dove is warmly received; Castabella is eventually lured from her throne to the gates where Psyche and her companion wait, she blushing and he half-doubtful.
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104 : ’ While yet he speaks, before her ravished eyes The brilliant towers of Castabella shine: = The sun that yiews them from unclouded skies Sheds not through heaven a radiance more divine ; _ The adamantine walls with strength combine Inimitable lustre ever clear ; Celestial temple! *tis not lips like mine Thy glories can reveal to mortal ear, Or paint the unsullied beams which blaze for ever here. Approaching new the well defended gates, Which placed at distance guard the sacred ane Their lowly suit a stern repulse awaits ; The timid voice of Psyche pleads in vain, Nor entrance there together can they gain: While yet they stay, unwilling to retreat, The dove, swift-sailing through the ethereal Pee, Has reached already Castabella’s seat, | And in her spotless breast has found a welcome sweet. Caressing oft her well remembered guest, Serener smiles illumed her softened brow ; The heaven-sent messenger her soul confest, | And mildly listened to his murmurs low, Which seemed in pleading eloquence to flow ; ii | | His snowy pinions then he wide displayed, And gently lured her from her throne to got Even to the gates, where Psyche blushing stayed Beside her awe-struck knight half donbtingly afraid. ! ee comichooks:com)