Page:A lover's tale (Tennyson, 1879).djvu/89

Rh Two great funereal curtains, looping down, Parted a little ere they met the floor, About a picture of his lady, taken Some years before, and falling hid the frame. And just above the parting was a lamp: So the sweet figure folded round with night Seem'd stepping out of darkness with a smile.

Well then—our solemn feast—we ate and drank, And might—the wines being of such nobleness— Have jested also, but for Julian's eyes, And something weird and wild about it all: What was it? for our lover seldom spoke, Scarce touch'd the meats; but ever and anon A priceless goblet with a priceless wine Arising, show'd he drank beyond his use; And when the feast was near an end, he said: