On the other side it seems to be, Of the huge, broad-breasted, old oak tree. The night is chill; the forest bare; Hush beating heart of Christabel ! Jesu, Maria, shield her well! She folded her arms beneath her cloak, And stole to the other side of the oak. There she sees a damsel bright, That shadowy in the moonlight shone : Mary mother, save me now! (Said Christabel,) And who art thou? The lady strange made answer meet, I scarce can speak for weariness. Stretch forth thy hand, and have no fear, My sire is of a noble line, And my name is Geraldine: Five warriors seized me yestermorn, Me, even me, a maid forlorn: They choked my cries with force and fright, And tied me on a palfrey white. The palfrey was as fleet as wind, And they rode furiously behind. They spurred amain, their steeds were white; A weary woman, scarce alive. Some muttered words his comrades spoke : He swore they would return with haste ; I thought I heard, some minutes past, Stretch forth thy hand (thus ended she,) Then Christabel stretched forth her hand O well bright dame may you command And gladly our stout chivalry Will he send forth and friends withall She rose and forth with steps they passed Sir Leoline is weak in health This night, to share your couch with me. They crossed the moat, and Christabel Took the key that fitted well; A little door she opened straight, All in the middle of the gate; The gate that was ironed within and without, Where an army in battle array had marched out. The lady sank, belike through pain, And Christabel with might and main Over the threshold of the gate : And moved, as she were not in pain. So free from danger, free from fear, They crossed the court: right glad they were. And Christabel devoutly cried, Praise we the Virgin all divine Who hath rescued thee from thy distress! I cannot speak for weariness. So free from danger, free from fear, Outside her kennel, the mastiff old They passed the hall, that echoes still, Pass as lightly as you will! The brands were flat, the brands were dying, Amid their own white ashes lying; But when the lady passed, there came VOL. II. E |