THE VISIONS OF THE ORDEAL. 
 
THE mind with visions clouded, 
(Asleep ?  Awake ?) 
By bloodless shades enshrouded, 
(By whom, and for whose sake ?) 
With visions dimly lighted, 
By its own shade affrighted, 
In its own light benighted, 
The doors of hell may shake. 
 
Unbidden spring the spectres 
(Whence come, where bound ?) 
To baffle those protectors 
Whose wings are broad around. 
Uprise they and upbraid, 
Till life shrinks back afraid, 
And death itself dismayed 
Sinks back to the profound. 
 
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