The Mysteries of Udolpho

Is it not now the hour,

The holy hour, when to the cloudless height

Of yon starred concave climbs the full-orbed moon,

And to this nether world in solemn stillness,

Gives sign, that, to the list'ning ear of Heaven

Religion's voice should plead? The very babe

Knows this, and, chance awak'd, his little hands

Lifts to the gods, and on his innocent couch

Calls down a blessing.*

*Caractacus

The midnight chant of the monks soon after dropped into silence; but

Emily remained at the casement, watching the setting moon, and the

valley sinking into deep shade, and willing to prolong her present state

of mind. At length she retired to her mattress, and sunk into tranquil

slumber.