throbbed his veins,
As morn's first struggling gleam.
His rift net caught,
He e'en must follow its meandering beam,
Till something on the walls his footsteps brought
To rest. He shuddered as he saw the death-throe stains

Of some whose hands and ankles, staple-bound,
Had graved thereon the sign
Of crucified.
"My God!" he cried, "such fate may yet be mine!"
He turned and lo! close at his feet he spied
A note. A piercing wail then woke the echoes round.

"To-morrow, Eric, will decide your fate.
Confess and you are free;
Else will you die
A death of torture, marks of which you'll see
Upon the walls around. Fly, Eric, fly,
This night, this very night, or it will be too late!"

Eric Faithful Unto Death.

When Eric woke to thought, the light had flown,
With Hope upon its wing
And left Despair.
One thought alone could light and comfort bring--
His secret--This, not death should from him tear.
Rowena's safe retreat, he never would make known!

The rasp of grating chains and rush of air
Awoke the sleeping page
From frightful dreams.
A voice he heard. Alas! 'twas fierce with rage,
While on his sight there flashed the fitful gleams
Of warders' arms. In haste they clangour down the stair.

"Come forth, young man! Sir Guy awaits above.
We dare not tarry long;
He's mad this morn.
Keep up your heart, my son! Be firm, be strong!
A page, yet truer knight was never born!
Betray her not, brave youth, as you esteem her love!"

Eric to be Crucified.

"Have rats and goblins eaten up your pride
And will you tell me now
What well you know?
The holy father, here, can loose your vow.
Still silent!" roared Sir Guy, "O there! Below
With him, and if rack fail, let him be crucified."

"I fear not crucifixion, master mine,
As oath forsworn from fear
Of death. No pangs
Shall ever make me breathe to mortal ear
Her safe retreat. Transfix me with your fangs
With speed; my life for hers I freely will resign."

"Fear not, brave youth, Sir Guy doth go
This night to meet Prince John,
Who claims the crown.
But we do hear our king will come anon;
Then woe to all who have incurred his frown!
For sure he'll vengeance take on John and every foe."

To Die or Live?

At least h