SEA SPRAY ^ SMOKE DRIFT 



Of his prowess, but he, like one in a trance, 

 Regarded naught that he saw. 



Night, black and chill, wind gathering still, 



With its wail in the turret tall, 

 And its headlong blast like a catapult cast 



On the crest of the outer wall. 

 And its hail and rain on the crashing pane, 



Till the glassy splinters fall ; 



A moody knight by the fitful light 



Of the great hall fire below ; 

 A corpse upstairs, and a woman at prayers. 



Will they profit her, aye or no ? 

 By'r lady fain, an she comfort gain. 



There is comfort for us also. 



The guests were gone, save Sir Hugh alone, 

 And he watched the gleams that broke 



On the pale hearth-stone, and flickered and 

 shone 

 On the panels of polish'd oak ; 



He was 'ware of no presence except his own, 



Till the voice of young Margaret spoke : 



64 



