XXXV

Outstretching flame-ward his upbraided hand

( O God of mercy, may no earthly Seat

Of judgment such presumptuous doom repeat! )

Amid the shuddering throng doth Cranmer stand;

Firm as the stake to which with iron band

His frame is tied; firm from the naked feet

To the bare head. The victory is complete;

The shrouded Body to the Soul's command

Answerswith more than Indian fortitude,

Through all her nerves with finer sense endued,

Till breath departs in blissful aspiration:

Then,‘ mid the ghastly ruins of the fire,

Behold the unalterable heart entire,

Emblem of faith untouched, miraculous attestation!