10 IIEKRY KIRKE WHITe's POEMS. 



And.she threw the fingers in the fire, 

 The red flame flamed high, 



And round about the caldron stout 

 Thej danced right merrily. 



The third arose : she said she'd been 



To Holy Palestine ; 

 And seen more blood in one short day, 



Than they had all seen in nine. 



Xow Gondoline, with fearful steps, 

 Drew nearer to the flame, 



For much she dreaded now to hear 

 Her hapless lover's name. 



The hag related then the sports 



Of that eventful day. 

 When on the well-contested field 



Full fifteen thousand lay. 



She said, that she in human gore 

 Above the knees did wade, 



And that no tongue could truly tell 

 The tricks she there had played. 



There was a gallant-featured youth. 

 Who like a hero fought : 



He kissed a bracelet on his wrist, 

 And every danger sought. 



And in a vassal's garb disguised 

 Unto the knight she sues, 



And tells him she from Britain comes, 

 And brings unwelcome news. 



That three days ere she had embark'd, 

 His love had given her hand, 



Unto a wealthy Thane : — and thought 

 Him dead in holy land. 



