Twas a blest thought to shield from violence
The Sepulchre, and by self-sacrifice
The light of Christian teaching to dispense
O’er lands in darkness whilom fed on lies,
Which a luxurious age’s duller sense
As foolish superstition doth despise.—
Marvellous vision, when all might espy
Each crowded city, and each desert way
Of Western Europe, thronged with banners high
Marking the multitudinous array,
Soon as the dreadful words had met each eye,
HIEROSOLYMA EST PERDITA.
And meekest Bernard from his hallowed house
Came forth with trumpet tones warm hearts to rouse.