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The speaker addresses a prophet, calling them evil and asking them to reveal if their message will bring aid and heavenly recognition. They mention a saintly maiden, whose identity is unknown, and end by declaring their departure and dismissing the prophet. The speaker doubts the truthfulness of the prophet's words. Prophets said I, thing of evil, prophets still, if bird or devil, by that heaven that bends above us, by that God we both adore, tell this soul of sorrow laden, if it brings this to aiding, it shall clasp a saint in maiden, whom the angels name will know, clasp a rare and radiant maiden, whom the angels name will know, who'll it be raiding, never know. Be that word our silent parting, bird or fiend, our shrieked upstart, get thee back into the tempest, and the night's returning shore, be no black flame, just a token of that lie that soul hath spoken.