He thought of this, and he thought of that; (Kings seldom find their thoughts come pat). His ape beside him took his seat, And both of them fell asleep with the heat. What he resolved, I’ll hereafter relate; The Indian mails are behind their date. The last of these which has come to hand Was by way of Suez, and overland. KNAVE OF BERGEN. At Dusseldorf castle on the Rhine They’re gaily masquerading; The waxlights sparkle, the company dance, The music their nimbleness aiding. The beauteous Duchess dances too, And ceases laughing never; Her partner is a slender youth, Who seems right courtly and clever. He wears a mask of velvet black, Whence merrily is peeping An eye just like a shining dirk From out of its sheath half creeping. The carnival throng exultingly shout As they whirl in the waltz’s embraces, While Drickes and Marizzebill[66] Salute with loud noise and grimaces. The trumpets crash, and the merry hum Of the double-bass increases, Until the dance to an end has come, And then the music ceases. “Most excellent Lady, thy pardon I beg, “’Tis time for me to go now--” “The Duchess said smiling: “You shall not depart, “Unless your face you show now.” “Most excellent Lady, thy pardon I beg, “My face is a hideous creature’s--” “The Duchess said smiling: “I am not afraid, “I insist upon seeing your features.” “Most excellent Lady, thy pardon I beg, “For night and death are my portion--” “The Duchess said smiling: “I’ll not let you go “I’ll see you, despite all your caution.” In vain he struggled with gloomy words To change her determination; At length she forcibly tore the mask From his face for her information. “’Tis the headsman of Bergen!” the throng in the hall Exclaim with a feeling of terror, And timidly shrink;--the Duchess rush’d out, Her husband to tell of her error. The Duke was wise, and all the disgrace Of the Duchess straightway effac’d he; He drew his bright sword and said: “Kneel down, Good fellow!” with accents hasty. “With this stroke of the sword I make you now “A limb of the order knightly; “And since you’re a knave, you’ll hereafter be call’d “Sir Knave of Bergen rightly.” So the headsman became a nobleman proud, Of the Bergen Knaves’ family founder; A haughty race! they dwelt on the Rhine, Though now they all underground are! THE VALKYRES.[67] While below contending forces Fight, above on cloudy horses Three Valkyres ride; their song Through the air re-echoes long. “Princes wrangle, nations quarrel, “Each would bear away the laurel; “Conquest is the highest prize, “Highest worth in courage lies.