Page:The Vow of the Peacock.pdf/6



The idea of the following Poem was taken from a Picture by Mr. M'Clise, called "The Vow of the Peacock," exhibited this year at Somerset House. I have attempted to attach a narrative to the brilliant scene represented by the painting.

The fact of a lady in distress applying to some renowned knight for assistance, belongs as much to the history of chivalry as to its romance. Vows on the heron, the pheasant, and the peacock, to do some deed of arms, were common in the olden time. My story, founded on this picturesque custom, is entirely fanciful, though its scenes and manners are strictly historical.

L. E. L.