And foundest a bright lady, surpassingly fair: And didst bring her home with thee in love and in charity, To shield her and shelter her from the damp air. THE CONCLUSION TO PART THE FIRST. It was a lovely sight to see To make her gentle vows; And both blue eyes more bright than clear, With open eyes (ah woe is me!) Asleep, and dreaming fearfully, Fearfully dreaming, yet I wis, O sorrow and shame! Can this be she, A star hath set, a star hath risen, From cliff and tower, tu-whoo! tu-whoo! And see! the lady Christabel Gathers herself from out her trance; Grows sad and soft; the smooth thin lids Yea, she doth smile, and she doth weep, Like a youthful hermitess, Beauteous in a wilderness, Who, praying always, prays in sleep. CHRISTABEL. PART THE SECOND. EACH matin bell, the Baron saith, Many a morn to his dying day, And hence the custom and law began, That still at dawn the sacristan, Who duly pulls the heavy bell, Five and forty beads must tell Between each stroke-a warning knell, Which not a soul can choose but hear From Bratha Head to Wyndermere. Saith Bracy the bard, So let it knell ! |