Page:Landon in Literary Gazette 1823.pdf/139



On rode the Bridegroom, to the breath of flutes And the salute of trumpets. Suddenly A gush of perfume and a sound of song Rose slow and sweet,—they ushered in the Bride. On came the Ladye, with her bright hair wreathed Around with Indian pearls; a silver veil Played o'er her jewelled waist. And they were wed, That dark-eyed Cavalier, and that sweet dame. And as the gay procession left the church, Gathered a multitude around, and wished All happiness to their Hero and his Bride; And to the flourish of glad instruments, A chorus of rich voices made reply. Yet ever and anon a single song, A low and melancholy song, was heard, The very echo of a broken heart, Like the swan dying in soft music. None Of all the train could tell whence came that voice; But each one felt its influence, as it waked In each some sad forgotten memory; But more than all, it seemed to call dark thought Upon the Bridegroom's forehead, and his lip Grew pale with some deep feeling. But it ceased, And each felt as a weight had left his heart, When died those tones of sorrow into silence; But all remarked how strange a gloom had fallen Over the Count. Yet on they rode, and reached His palace, bright like day with perfumed lamps: The stately banquet was spread gorgeously, And in the glory of the festal hall, And in the gladness of its melody, All soon forgot the melancholy song. - - -