XXVII. "This answer be to Ronald given- And with these sunny visions died. He should his plighted troth obey, Oh, shame thee, Robert! I have seen Thou hast a woman's guardian been! Even in extremity's dread hour, When press'd on thee the Southern And safety, to all human sight, power, Was only found in rapid flight, Thou heard'st a wretched female plain And thou didst bid thy little band Upon the instant turn and stand, A woman in her last distress.- By her who brooks his perjured scorn, XXVIII. With sudden impulse forward sprung The Page, and on her neck he hung; His head he stoop'd, and bent his knee, Arose, and sudden left the cell. The princess, loosen'd from his hold, But good King Robert cried, "Chafe not-by signs he speaks his mind, He heard the plan my care design'd, Nor could his transports hide. 'But, sister, now bethink thee well; No easy choice the convent cell; Trust, I shall play no tyrant part, Either to force thy hand or heart, Or suffer that Lord Ronald scorn, Or wrong for thee, the Maid of Lorn. But think,-not long the time has been, On woman's wish, and woman's will!"— XXIX. "Brother, I well believe," she said, "Even so would Edward's part be play'd. Kindly in heart, in word severe, A foe to thought, and grief, and fear, But thou art of another mould. Say then to Ronald, as I say, The ring which bound the faith he swore, By Edith freely yielded o'er, He moves his suit to me no more. Nor do I promise, even if now He stood absolved of spousal vow, That I would change my purpose made, To shelter me in holy shade. Brother, for little space, farewell! To other duties warns the bell.". XXX. "Lost to the world," King Robert said, When he had left the royal maid,— O what a gem lies buried here, |