XXVII. "This answer be to Ronald given The heart he asks is fix'd on heaven. And with these sunny visions died. And sworn on crucifix and sword.— 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 power, And safety, to all human sight, Was only found in rapid flight, Thou heard'st a wretched female plain In agony of travail-pain, 1 And thou didst bid thy little band Upon the instant turn and stand, And dare the worst the foe might do, Rather than, like a knight untrue, Leave to pursuers merciless A woman in her last distress. And wilt thou now deny thine aid Till at my feet he laid the ring, The ring and spousal contract both, And fair acquittal of his oath, By her who brooks his perjured scorn, The ill-requited Maid of Lorn !"- 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, Blush'd angry at his bearing bold; 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; 2 But think,-not long the time has been, With many a sarcasm varied still BIBL 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, He holds his humour uncontroul'd; 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, "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 |