Page:The Story and Song of Black Roderick.djvu/32

24 girl so full of fear, he chid her cruelly and bade her go. Yet when she had left him he felt a strange and unwonted coldness settle upon his heart.

The anger against his young bride was quenched, and a dew-like fear grew upon him. But of what befell him I shall now sing to thee, lest thou grow weary of my prose:

All silent Black Earl Roderick Went to his room away, Full angry, with his throbbing heart And fitful fancy's play.

He sat him by the bright hearth-side, And turned towards the door; And there upon the threshold stood His lady, weeping sore.

He chased her down the winding stair, And out into the night, But only found a withered crone, With long hair, loose and white.