XII Till out strode Gismond; then I knew I felt quite sure that God had set XIII. He strode to Gauthier, in his throat In blood men's verdict there. North, south, XIV. This glads me most, that I enjoyed The heart of the joy, with my content In watching Gismond unalloyed By any doubt of the event: God took that on him-I was bid XV. Did I not watch him while he let His armourer just brace his greaves, Rivet his hauberk, on the fret The while! His foot.. my memory leaves No least stamp out, nor how anon He pulled his ringing gauntlets on. * XVI. And e'en before the trumpet's sound Gismond flew at him, used no sleight XVII. Which done, he dragged him to my feet, And said, "Here die, but end thy breath In full confession, lest thou fleet From my first, to God's second death! Say, hast thou lied?" And, “I have lied To God and her," he said, and died. XVIII. Then Gismond, kneeling to me, asked -What safe my heart holds, tho' no word Could I repeat now, if I tasked My powers for ever, to a third Dear even as you are. Pass the rest Until I sank upon his breast. XIX. Over my head his arm he flung Against the world; and scarce I felt His sword, that dripped by me and swung, A little shifted in its belt, For he began to say the while How south our home lay many a mile. XX. So 'mid the shouting multitude We two walked forth to never more Return. My cousins have pursued Their life, untroubled as before I vexed them. Gauthier's dwelling-place God lighten! May his soul find grace! XXI. Our elder boy has got the clear Great brow; tho' when his brother's black Full eye shows scorn, it . . . Gismond here? And have you brought my tercel back? I just was telling Adela How many birds it struck since May. INCIDENT OF THE FRENCH CAMP. I. You know, we French stormed Ratisbon: A mile or so away On a little mound, Napoléon Stood on our storming-day; With neck out-thrust, you fancy how, Legs wide, arms locked behind, As if to balance the prone brow Oppressive with its mind. II. Just as perhaps he mused, "My plans Out 'twixt the battery-smokes there flew Until he reached the mound. III. Then off there flung in smiling joy, By just his horse's mane, a boy: You hardly could suspect— You looked twice ere you saw his breast •6 IV. Well," cried he, "Emperor, by God's grace We've got you Ratisbon ! The Marshal's in the market-place, And you'll be there anon To see your flag-bird flap his vans Where I, to heart's desire, Perched him!" The chief's eye flashed; his plans Soared up again like fire. V. The chief's eye flashed; but presently A film the mother eagle's eye When her bruised eaglet breathes: 'You're wounded!" "Nay," his soldier's pride Touched to the quick, he said: "I'm killed, sire!" And, his chief beside, Smiling the boy fell dead. SOLILOQUY OF THE SPANISH CLOISTER. I. GR-R-R-there go, my heart's abhorrence! What? your myrtle-bush wants trimming? Oh, that rose has prior claims Needs its leaden vase filled brimming? Hell dry you up with its flames! II. At the meal we sit together: Salve tibi! I must hear Wise talk of the kind of weather, What's the Latin name for "parsley"? What's the Greek name for Swine's Snout? |