Page:The Vow of the Peacock.pdf/17

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With war-music round them poured, With the sunshine on the sword, With the battlemented towers, Crimsoning in the morning hours, Girdled by their southern clime, Stand a group of olden time. They are gathered,—wherefore now? 'Tis the Peacock's noble vow! Vow that binds a knightly faith Sure as love and strong as death.

Doth that kneeling bright-haired dame Succour or protection claim? Is she wronged, is she forsaken? Wherefore must that vow be taken? What wild tale of old romance Haunteth that bright lady's glance?