32
A STORY OF OLDEN TIME.
SECOND PART.
All night beneath a double weight, and followed by a track
Of fire that flashed along the dark, the steed, with ears laid back
As if he heard a cry behind, and was aware that death
Or life was laid upon his speed, bore on with deep-drawn breath
And nostrils quivering wide, until at length the stars withdrawn
Had melted out into the dusk that comes before the dawn.
Then cheerly to his steed outspoke the rider of the twain
That bore the nobler, knightlier mien, and slackened girth and rein:
"Three rivers hast thou set between the foemen and our flight;
Now softly, gallant Roland, now, for soon by this good light,
Slow breaking pale o'er moor and dale, above the eastern hill,
Soon shall I see my castle rise: art weary, or art chill,
Thou gentle youth, that tremblest so? Nay, only with the cold
I ween, for thou approved hast been for steadfast and for bold.
Of fire that flashed along the dark, the steed, with ears laid back
As if he heard a cry behind, and was aware that death
Or life was laid upon his speed, bore on with deep-drawn breath
And nostrils quivering wide, until at length the stars withdrawn
Had melted out into the dusk that comes before the dawn.
Then cheerly to his steed outspoke the rider of the twain
That bore the nobler, knightlier mien, and slackened girth and rein:
"Three rivers hast thou set between the foemen and our flight;
Now softly, gallant Roland, now, for soon by this good light,
Slow breaking pale o'er moor and dale, above the eastern hill,
Soon shall I see my castle rise: art weary, or art chill,
Thou gentle youth, that tremblest so? Nay, only with the cold
I ween, for thou approved hast been for steadfast and for bold.
