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.— To other duties warns the bell.". XXX. "Lost to the world," King Robert said, When he had left the royal maid, "Lost to the world by lot severe, O what a gem lies buried here, But what have I with love to do? Far sterner cares my lot pursue -Pent in this isle we may not lie, Of my own Turnberry court our powers- The time propitious for the blow ?- Thy hills, thy dales, thy people free,- Betwixt my labours and my grave !" Then down the hill he slowly went, Oft pausing on the steep descent, And reach'd the spot where his bold train Held rustic camp upon the plain. END OF CANTO FOURTH. |