sdom well enow,
While fainter still with love the Queen did grow
Hearing his words, beholding his grey eyes
Flashing with fire of warlike memories;
Yea, at the last he seemed so wise indeed
That she could give him now the charge, to lead
One wing of the great army that set out
From Paris' gates, midst many a wavering shout,
Midst trembling prayers, and unchecked wails and tears,
And slender hopes and unresisted fears.

Now ere he went, upon his bed he lay,
Newly awakened at the dawn of day,
Gathering perplexed thoughts of many a thing,
When, midst the carol that the birds did sing
Unto the coming of the hopeful sun,
He heard a sudden lovesome song begun
'Twixt two young voices in the garden green,
That seemed indeed the farewell of the Queen.

SONG.

HAEC.

_In the white-flowered hawthorn brake,_
_Love, be merry for my sake;_
_Twine the blossoms in my hair,_
_Kiss me where I am most fair--_
_Kiss me, love! for who knoweth_
_What thing cometh after death?_

ILLE.

_Nay, the garlanded gold hair_
_Hides thee where thou art most fair;_
_Hides the rose-tinged hills of snow--_
_Ah, sweet love, I have thee now!_
_Kiss me, love! for who knoweth_
_What thing cometh after death?_

HAEC

_Shall we weep for a dead day,_
_Or set Sorrow in our way?_
_Hidden by my golden hair,_
_Wilt thou weep that sweet days wear?_
_Kiss me, love! for who knoweth_
_What thing cometh after death?_

ILLE.

_Weep, O Love, the days that flit,_
_Now, while I can feel thy breath,_
_Then may I remember it_
_Sad and old, and near my death._
_Kiss me, love! for who knoweth_
_What thing cometh after death?_

Soothed by the pleasure that the music brought
And sweet desire, and vague and dreamy thought
Of happiness it seemed to promise him,
He lay and listened till his eyes grew dim,
And o'er him 'gan forgetfulness to creep
Till in the growing light he lay asleep,
Nor woke until the clanging trumpet-blast
Had summoned him all thought away to cast:
Yet one more joy of love indeed he had
Ere with the battle's noise he was made glad;
For, as on that May morning forth they rode
And passed