Page:Records of Woman.pdf/224

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Kaiser feasted in his hall, The red wine mantled high; Banners were trembling on the wall, To the peals of minstrelsy: And many a gleam and sparkle came From the armour hung around, As it caught the glance of the torch's flame, Or the hearth with pine-boughs crown'd.

Why fell there silence on the chord Beneath the harper's hand? And suddenly, from that rich board, Why rose the wassail-band?