And bore his tidings to the hall.
From early mom he stood till eve,
And still no message did receive.
When night was falling, dusk and dim,
A city harlot drew nigh to him
And grayly glimmered along the wall,
And stopped where the Count was standing tall.
What news," he cried, "from Abramo,
Must I raze this city of Reggio?"
He reared his plume to its towering height.