Poems (Dorr)/At the Feast

by Julia Caroline Dorr

AT THE FEAST  "And the Lord of the Castle is Time,"

When the hour has come and the servants wait
The tramp of steeds at the castle gate,
When the lamps aglow in the banquet-hall
Like a thousand stars burn over all,
When the board is spread and the feast is set,
And the dew on the roses lingers yet,
   Whom shall the Master summon
   To sit at his right hand?

Let the music soar to the vaulted roof,
Let the flute-notes swell, alow, aloof,
While chief and retainer alike await
The Lord of the Castle who cometh late;
The guests are bidden, the red wine flows,
But not the wisest among them knows
   Whom the Master shall summon
   To sit at his right hand!

For the Lord of the Castle, who cometh late,
When he comes, at length, in pomp and state,
And with glitter of mail, and clang of sword,
Strides to his place at the head of the board,
Oft-times reverses the order set,
Nor beckons to crown or coronet!
   Whom he will the Master summons
   To sit at his right hand!