Page:Modern poets and poetry of Spain.djvu/283

'T was he Fadrique had the charge
From France to bring the queen,
The Lady Blanche, but he allow'd
A year to intervene.
With her in Narbonne he delay'd,
And rumours thus of those,
Which whether true or false alike
Are poisonous, arose.
And in Medina's tower the price
The Lady Blanche now pays,
Of all the palace whisperings,
And journey's long delays.
And on his shoulders yet untouch'd
His head Fadrique wears,
Because of his great wealth and power
And honour'd name he bears.
But, woe for him! the ladies all
Him as their idol own,
For his gay port and gallant mien,
And manly courage known.
And if he cause the throne no fear,
In his fidelity,
He gives what's worse, though that were bad,
The heart strong jealousy.

Meanwhile the fair Padillia,

Whose judgement clear and great,