About him, which he knew not well to wear,

And might not forfeit. Yet he spurred apace,

And reached a country-seat that bordered near

The Capital. Here, for a little space,

He was to rest from travel, and await

His day of entrance at the city’s gate.

Upon these grounds a gray-haired noble dwelt,

A ribboned courtier of the former reign;

A tedious proper man, who glibly knelt

To royalty,—this ancient chamberlain,—