Page:Singular adventures of Sir Gawen, and the enchanted castle.pdf/9

9 calm and resolved, he again began to search for his sword, when a moon beam falling on the blade at once restored it to him.

Sir Gawen having thus resumed his wonted fortitude and resolution, held a parley with himself, and perceiving no other way by which he could escape, boldly resolved to brave all the terrors of the staircase, and once more recommending himself to his Maker, began to ascend. The light still flashed, enabling him to climb those parts which were not broken or decayed. He had proceeded in this manner a considerable way moounting, as he supposed, to the summit of the keep, whe suddenly a shrill and agonizing shriek issued from the upper part of it, and something rudely brushing down, grasping him with tremenduous strength; in a moment he became motionless, cold as ice, and felt himself hurried back by some irresistable being; but just as he had reached the vault a spectre of so dreadful a shape stalked by within it, that staining every muscle, he sprang from the deadly grasp: the iron door rushed in thunder upon its hinges and a deep hollow groan resounded, from beneath. No sooner had the door closed, than yelling screams and sounds which almost suspended the very pulse of life issued from the vault, as if a troop of hellish furies, with their chains untied, were