Page:Landon in Literary Gazette 1824.pdf/62



A broader shadow is upon the stream Where yon old castle stands, and melody Comes forth, rejoicing on the ear of night; Not one lone lute, but a full gush of sound, Heard from a thousand instruments: the harp Sends its rich sweep of music, and wind-horns Wake like deep voices of the element. And there are rainbow lamps around the hall, Shedding a rosy hue upon the pearls And purple glory on the diamonds In the dark tresses of the high-born dames, Who move around like queens; and there are seen Vases, like silver clouds, whose glimmerings soft Light alcoves, filled with rare and costly flowers, The Indian rose, the golden jessamine. And there the beautiful recline, whose arms Look snow in the white ray. Around the walls Hang purple draperies and gorgeous frames, Each one a picture of long ancestry, Armed knights, and robed lords, and lovely dames; And, like their shadows, on the ground beneath Move knights and ladies, each as fair and proud. Red wine and golden cups are on the board, And their gay benison is 's health, The castle's younger lord. And many an eye Shed its blue morning on the graceful youth, And many marvelled at the silent mood In which he turned away from the bright dance To listen to some minstrel. Oh, the heart Knows not the power of music till it loves!— And stood lost in gentle thoughts,