Page:Spouter's companion.pdf/14

14 He dazzl'd her eyes, he bewilder'd her brain,

He caught her affections, so light and so vain,

And carried her home as his spouse.

And now had the marriage been blest by the priest,

The revelry now was begun;

The tables they groan'd with the weight of the feast,

Not yet had the laughter and merriment ceas'd

When the bell of the castle toll'd—!

'Twas then, with amazement, fair Imogene found

A stranger was plac'd by her side;

His air was terrific, he utter'd no sound,

He spoke not, he mov'd not, he look'd not around,

But earnestly gaz'd on the bride.

His vizor was clos'd, and gigantic his height,

His armour was sable to view;

All laughter and pleasure were hush'd at his sight,

The dogs, as they ey'd him, drew back with affright,

And the lights in the chamber burnt blue.

His presence all bosoms appear'd to dismay,

The guests sat in silence and fear;

At length, spoke the bride, while she trembled—" I pray

Sir Knight, that your helmet aside you would lay,

And deign to partake of our cheer."

The lady is silent—the stranger complies,

And his vizor he slowly unclos'd—