Page:Records of Woman.pdf/231

Rh

She read of fair Erminia's flight, Which Venice once might hear Sung on her glittering seas at night, By many a Gondolier; Of him she read, who broke the charm That wrapt the myrtle grove; Of Godfrey's deeds, of Tancred's arm, That slew his Paynim love.

Young cheeks around that bright page glow'd,   Young holy hearts were stirr'd; And the meek tears of woman flow'd    Fast o'er each burning word. And sounds of breeze, and fount, and leaf, Came sweet, each pause between; When a strange voice of sudden grief Burst on the gentle scene.