PART SECOND.

1 The two long years had passed away, When castle Galliard rose, As built at once by elfin hands, And scorning time or foes.

2 It might be thought that Merlin's imps Were tasked to raise the wall, That unheard axes fell the woods, While unseen hammers fall.

3 As hung by magic on a rock, The castle-keep looked down O'er rocks and rivers, and the smoke Of many a far off town.

4 And now, young knights and minstrels gay Obeyed their masters' call, And loud rejoicing held the feast In the new raftered hall.

5 His minstrels and his mailed peers Were seated at the board, And at his side the highest sat William of the Long Sword.

6 This youthful knight, of princely birth, Was dazzling to behold, For his chain-mail from head to foot All glistened o'er with gold.

7 His surcoat dyed with azure blue In graceful foldings hung, And there the golden lions ramped, With bloody claws and tongue.

8 With crimson belt around his waist His sword was girded on; The hilt, a cross to kiss in death, Radiant with jewels shone.

9 The names and banners of each knight It were too long to tell; Here sat the brave Montgomery, There Bertrand and Rozell.

10 Of Richard's unresisted sword A noble minstrel sung, Whilst to an hundred answering harps The blazing gallery rung.

11 So all within was merriment— When, suddenly, a shout, As of some unexpected guest, Burst from the crowd without.

12 Now not a sound, and scarce a breath, Through the long hall is heard, When, with a young maid by his side, A vizored knight appeared.

13 Up the long hall they held their way, On to the royal seat; Then both together, hand in hand, Knelt at King Richard's feet.

14 Talbot, a Talbot! rang the hall With gratulation wild, Long live brave Talbot, and long live Earl William's new found child!

15 Amid a scene so new and strange, This poor maid could not speak; King Richard took her by the hand, And gently kissed her cheek;

16 Then placed her, smiling through a tear, By his brave brother's side: Long live brave Longspe! rang the hall, Long live his future bride!

17 To noble Richard, this fair child, His ward, was thus restored; Destined to be the future bride Of Him of the Long Sword.