So, 'till
Thou breakest, hold it sure."
Meanwhile, sweeps on a knightly man,
Upon his gallant steed,
And reaches, guided by the path,
The castle bridge, with speed.
There deeply sank into his heart,
The plaint of the ladye,
He deems she pleads to him for help,
And will her saviour be.
Full of impatience and desire,
His glowing eyes ranged round,
Till high, within the window, they
The lovely lady found.
"Ah! lady, speak, why mournest thou?
Confide thy grief to me,
And to thy cause this sword, this arm,
This life, devoted be!"
"Ah! noble knight, nor sword, nor arm
I need, right well I wot,
But comfort for my sorrowing heart.
And, ah, that thou hast not!"
"Let me partake thy saddening woe.
That will divide thy grief.
My tear of pity will bestow
Both comfort and relief."
"Thou good kind youth, then hear my tale;
An orphan I, sir knight,
And with my parents did expire
My peace and my delight
An uncle and an aunt are now
To me in parents' stead,
Who wound my heart, (God pardon it!)
As if they wished me dead.
My father was a wealthy Count:
The inheritance now mine--
Would I were poor! this wretched wealth
'Tis makes me to repine.
Pages:
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53