The western sun's departing ray
Bright on the lofty turrets lay,
That threw the shadow's length'ning line
At solemn distance far below;
And where the gather'd clouds recline
On yon dark cliff's terrific brow,
There stood a venerable seer,
Whose prophetic soul could trace
Distant ages hast'ning near,
And all that fill'd the unborn space —
The prophet gaz'd, with sudden frenzy fir'd,
Saw deeds undone, and spoke with lips inspir'd: