Ancient_and_modern_York_a_guide

MODERN YORK. 53
door-way of entrance to the choir, the exterior moulding
of which assumes the ogee shape, and terminates with a
richly sculptured finial. The whole screen consists of a
series of fifteen compartments of niches, with corresponding
pedestals, canopies, and statues." The statues, on the
north side, represent William the Conqueror, William II.,
Henry I., Stephen, Henry II., Richard I., and John ; and,
on the south side, Henry III., Edward I., Edward II.,
Edward III., Richard II., Henry IV., Henry V., and
Henry VI. The speculation of Dr. Milner, that this screen
was taken from St. Mary's Abbey, is generally discredited,
as it appears to be supported by no sort of evidence. After
the fire of 1829, the propriety of removing the screen was
warmly discussed ; but it was finally resolved not to remove
it from its position.
On passing through the gate of the screen into the choir,
the unrivalled East Window—"whose glory doth appear
like a triumphal arch,"—bursts upon the astonished eye.
It is difficult to conceive any thing more majcstical. The
vastness of its span,—the softness, beauty, and vividness,
of its innumerable tints,—the comeliness and symmetry of
its wondrous proportions—the admirable art in its arrange
ment,—the masterly execution in all its parts, render it
impossible for mere words to express the emotions which the
contemplation of the window itself cannot fail to inspire :—
The Moon on the east oriel shone,
Through slender 6hafts of shapely stone,
By foliaged tracery combined ;
Thou would'st have thought some fairy's hand,
' Twist poplar's straight, the osier wand,
In many a freakish knot, had twined ;
Then framed a spell, when the work was done,
And changed the willow wreaths to stone.
The silver light, so pale and faint,
Showed many a prophet and many a saint,
Whose image on the glass was dyed ;
Pull in the midst his cross of red
Triumphant Michael brandished,
And trampled the apostate's pride ;
The moon-beam kissed the holy pane,
And threw on the pavement a bloody stain.
Lay of the last Minstrel.
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