Throw down the kerchief if to-morrow morn—

But what is that? Dost hear? There comes a knocking.”

“Who goeth there?” three times the sentry cried.

“Woe!” answered many voices wild and strange.

Resistance none the sentry might oppose;

The door could not withstand the heavy shocks.

The invaders passed the lower galleries through,

And mounted up the winding iron stair

That led to Wallenrod’s last dwelling-place.

Alf with the iron bolt secured the door,