THE SPIRE OF STRASBURG CATHEDRAL.
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Night and storm._ LUCIFER, _with the Powers of theAir, trying to tear down the Cross._ _Lucifer._ HASTEN! hasten!O ye spirits!From its station drag the ponderousCross of iron, that to mock usIs uplifted high in air! _Voices._ O, we cannot!For around itAll the Saints and Guardian AngelsThrong in legions to protect it;They defeat us everywhere! _The Bells._ Laudo Deum verumPlebem voco!Congrego clerum! _Lucifer._ Lower! lower!Hover downward!Seize the loud, vociferous bells, andClashing, clanging, to the pavementHurl them from their windy tower! _Voices._ All thy thundersHere are harmless!For these bells have been anointed,And baptized with holy water!They defy our utmost power. _The Bells._ Defunctos ploro!Pestem fugo!Festa decoro! _Lucifer._ Shake the casements!Break the paintedPanes that flame with gold and crimson!Scatter them like leaves of Autumn,Swept away before the blast! _Voices._ O, we cannot!The ArchangelMichael flames from every window,With the sword of fire that drove usHeadlong, out of heaven, aghast! _The Bells._ Funera plango!Fulgora frango!Sabbata pango! _Lucifer._ Aim your lightningsAt the oaken,Massive, iron-studded portals!Sack the house of God, and scatterWide the ashes of the dead! _Voices._ O, we cannot!The ApostlesAnd the Martyrs, wrapped in mantles,Stand as wardens at the entrance,Stand as sentinels o'erhead! _The Bells._ Excito lentos!Dissipo ventos!Paco cruentos! _Lucifer._ Baffled! baffled!Inefficient,Craven spirits! leave this laborUnto Time, the great Destroyer!Come away, ere night is gone! _Voices._ Onward! onward!With the night-wind,Over field and farm and forest,Lonely homestead, darksome hamlet,Blighting all we breathe upon! (_They sweep away. Organ and Gregorian Chant._) _Choir._ Nocte surgentesVig lemus omnes! * * * * *
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