lf.5 



Prepares a grave with fearfiU haste, 



And hides his hapless victim there. 

 Then at the Lady's feet he cast 



His treasure, and preferred his prayer. 

 Surprised, she questions ; thrilled with fear 

 The horrid secret greets her car. 

 " Hence, guUty youth," she trembling cries, 



• ' Why should I join ray lot to thine 1 

 Vengeance to smite the murderer flies ; 



Oh, may far other fate be mine I 

 Receive thy sentence at his tomb. 

 Nor bid thy loved one share thy doom I" 

 He went, the moon her radiance vcUed 



Beneath a cloud of sombrous hue, 

 The screech-owl's note his ear assailed, 



As near the lonely copse he drew, 

 Sepulchral tones amid the wood. 

 Asked, " Is there vengeance for this blood f 



" There is," a hollow voice replied, 



" A sure, though distant curse shall come, 

 Nine generations multiplied 



The Murderer's race shaU share his doom ! 

 Well pleased, the Murderer hastes away, 

 Nor fears the long-protracted day. 

 Nor does the Lady now refuse 



To join with his her future lot, 

 Sin's punishment escaped she views. 

 The guilt of sin she dreaded not : 

 Theirs, ere that tardy vengeance fall. 

 Must be the common lot of all ! 

 They lived their offspring's race to see 



With rapid increase spread around, 

 Survived that hour of destiny 



When time the threatened period found. 

 Yet on the Murderer's hoary head 

 No storm of wrath its lightning shed. 

 The festive board, the song of mirth, 

 Their safety and their joy declare ; 

 Terrific tremblings rend the earth, 



Lo vengeance, ruin, and despaur ! 

 And where the Murderer's turrets rose. 

 The Lake Is spread, and Llynfi flows. 



