"I watched the steed from pass to pass Unto the welkin's rim, I feared to turn my eyes, alas, To trust a look at him; And when I turned, my temples burned And all grew dim. "Sweet if such swoon could endless be, Yet speedily I woke And missed my boy: they showed him me Full length on bed of oak. Clad as 'twas meet in mail complete And sable cloak. "All of our race upon that bier Had rested one by one, I had seen my father lying there, And now there lay my son! Ah! my sick soul bled the while it said-- 'Thy will be done!' {38} "Bright glanced the crest, bright gleamed the spur, That well had played their part, His lance still clasped, nor could they stir His left hand from his heart; There fast it clove, nor would it move With all their art "I found no voice, I shed no tear. They thought me well resigned. All else who stood around the bier With weeping much were blind; And a mourning voice went through the house Like a low wind. "And there was sob of aged man And woman's wailing cry, All cheeks were wan, all eyes o'erran, Yon fair-haired maidens sigh. And one apart with breaking heart Weeps bitterly. "But sharper than spear-thrust, I trow, Their wailing through me went; Stem silence suited best my woe, And, howe'er well the intent. Their menial din seemed half akin To merriment "For oh, such grief was mock to mine Whose days were all undone. The last of all this ancient line To share whose grief was none! Straight from the hall I barred them all And stood alone. "'Receive me now, thou bed of oak!' I fell upon the bier. And, Hermit, when this morning broke It found me clinging there. O maddening morn! That day dare dawn On such a pair! "I sent for thee, thou man of God, To watch with me to-night; My boy still liveth, by the rood, Nor shall be funeral rite!-- But, Hermit, come: this is the room: There lies the Knight!" {39} III. But she apart With breaking heart?-- That very yestermorn she stood In the deepest shade of the walnut wood, As a Knight rode by on his raven steed, Crying, "Daughter mine, hast thou done the deed? I gave thee the venom, I gave thee the spell, A jealous heart might use them well." But she waved her white arms and only said, "On oaken bier is Miolan laid!" "Dead!" laughed the Knight. "Then round Pilate's Peak Let the red light burn and the eagle shriek. When Miolan? heir lies on the bier, Low is the only lance I fear: I ride, I ride to win my Bride, Ho, Eblis, to thy servant's side. Thou hast sworn no foe Shall lay me low Till the dead in arms against me ride!" ------ THE SECOND SONG. I.