Page:The Poetical Works of Thomas Parnell (1833).djvu/44

xxviii And many an ermin'd cap and jewell'd ring, And the blue plumage of the Heron's wing, And milk-white hinds, the fairest creatures seen, Tripping with snowy feet across the alleys green.

Bright was the bower, a silver colonnade Spread its sun-chequer'd floor, where light and shade Alternate with the varying zephyr play'd. Young lips were trembling with sweet whispers there: "Lady, I could have lov'd thee, though less fair." How soft the breath of that consenting sigh! How bright the glances of that falcon eye! The look, the smile — a hermit's heart 'twould cheer: When beauty speaks — who can refuse to hear? Then vows were made; "Witness ye stars that shine!" And — "Nay, sir Knight:" and "gentle mayflower mine!" While chess and tables wile the hours away, With many a song between, and lusty roundelay.

But hark! a cry! — 'to horse — no time afford, Grasp thou the lance, and gird thou on the sword! The foe's at hand — a field of blood to-day — Each to the rescue, fly — away, away!' Chang'd is the scene — down yon sequester'd vale The chaunt comes floating from the cloisters pale. Psalter in hand, the long procession moves,