FAUCONSHAWE 



The lady Mabel summon'd straight 

 To her presence Sir Hugh de Vere, 



Of the guests who tarried within the gate 

 Of Fauconshawe, most dear 



Was he to that lady ; betrothed in state 

 They had been since many a year. 



*' Little Margaret sayeth a dead man lies 

 By the western spring, Sir Hugh ; 



I can scarce believe that the maiden lies — 

 Yet scarce can believe her true." 



And the knight replies, '' Till we test her eyes 

 Let her words gain credence due." 



Down the rocky path knight and lady led, 

 While guests and retainers bold 



Followed in haste, for like wildfire spread 

 The news by the maiden told. 



They found 'twas even as she had said — 

 The corpse had some while been cold. 



How the spirit had pass'd in the moments last 



There was little trace to reveal ; 



On the still, calm face lay no imprint ghast, 



Save the angel's solemn seal, 



6i 



