Part 16

“No step of mine hath wandered From the goal of my desires; ’Tis on thee my hopes are centred, ’Tis to thee my heart aspires.

“I love thee for thy beauty, I love thee for thy grace, I love thee for the dancing lights That gleam in thy moon-lit face: And these I deem a peerless dower To win a king’s embrace.”

“One boon, O royal lover, I ask on St Agnes Day; I fain would gaze on thy visage fair Ere with thee I steal away.

“Unmuffle thou the mantle That hides thee like a pall; And let the purple trappings From off thy shoulders fall.”

Slowly he loosed the mantle, And showed his face beneath. The lights went out in the maiden’s eyes; One swooning word she breathed to the skies: The gaunt hills echoed “Death.”