Page:Theatrical speaker (1).pdf/13

 And now had the marriage been blest by the priest,

The revelry now was begun;

The tables they groan'd with the weight of the feast,

Nor yet had the laughter and merriment ceas'd,

When the bell of the castle toll’d—!

'Twas then, with amazement, fair Imogene found

A stranger was plac'd by her side;

His air was terrifieterrific [sic], he utter'd no sound,

He spoke not, he mov'd not, he look'd not around

But earnestly gaz'd on the bride.

His vizer was clos'd, and gigantic his height,

His armour was sable to view;

All laughter and pleasure were hush'd at his sight

The dogs as they ey'd him, drew back with affright,

And the lights in the chamber burnt blue.

His presence all bosoms appear'd to dismay,

The guests sat in sileneesilence [sic] and fear;

At length, spoke the bride, while she trembled—"I pray

Sir Knight, that your helmet aside you would lay

And deign to partake of our cheer.

The lady is silent—the stranger complies,

And his viser he slowly unelos'dunclos'd [sic]—

O God, what a sight met Imogene's eyes,

What words can express her dismay and surprise

When a skeleton's head was expos'd.

All present then utter'd a terrified shout,

And turn'd with disgust from the scene;