The Queen’s betrothal, and the councils met,

And for the nuptial rites a day was set.

Now when the time grew ripe, the favored Prince

Rides forth, and through the little towns that mourn

His loss, and past the boundaries; and, since

To ape the pomp to which he was not born

Seemed in his soul a foolish thing and vain,

A few near comrades, only, made his train.

Nor pressed the populace along the ways;

But—for he wished it so—unheralded