Xv

Without, the stony courts rang with the feet Of steel-shod men, and horses’ clanging shoe. And yellow torches flashed their brilliance through Dim corridor, and winding way remote. High in the belfry rang a faint peal sweet, As silver bells spelt out a marriage note. The red cross blazed on breast and banner white. Shouted the warder at the castle moat-- “To arms! The king rides to the wars to-night!”