Page:The Soul of a Century.djvu/122



As within a castle’s ruins Steals a full moon’s shining ray; As within a forest’s shadows Colored butterfly has strayed, As within a rusty goblet Falls a drop of golden wine; Thus within my saddened bosom And within my orphand heart Gleamed a ray of love eternal, Strayed a butterfly of dreams, Fell a droplet of my musing; Tell me, is there aught yet needed To complete this song of mine? Roderigo Gonvazales, Knight of the Johannite order, Wandered on his morning vigil As had been his daily custom; For the Isle of Rhodes was a Bulwark of the Christian nations Against the Godless Turkish heathen.

As he left the castle portals He beheld a barefoot child there Leaning ’gainst the massive entrance. Tender body as if breathed In a gaily colored bodice, And her black hair hast’ly gathered Underneath a snow-white kerchief.

Soon as Roderigo reached her, Smilingly she lifted towards him Eyes that burned as sparks of fire, And she handed him a flow’ret, Mountain flowers strangely scented, Tied together with white ribbons.

Roderigo smiled in greeting, Kissed the gaily colored blossoms, Leaning over till his curls Lightly touched upon her forehead, From his lips escaped a question As the scent escapes from flowers: