XXII.
High and low the serfs looked out, red the flambeaus tossed about—
Toll slowly.
In the courtyard rose the cry, "Live the Duchess and Sir Guy!"
But she never heard them shout.
XXIII.
On the steed she dropped her cheek, kissed his mane and kissed his neck—
Toll slowly.
"I had happier died by thee than lived on, a Lady Leigh,"
Were the first words she did speak.
XXIV.
But a three months' joyaunce lay 'twixt that moment and to-day—
Toll slowly.
When five hundred archers tall stand beside the castle wall
To recapture Duchess May.
XXV.
And the castle standeth black with the red sun at its back—
Toll slowly.
And a fortnight's siege is done, and, except the duchess, none
Can misdoubt the coming wrack.
XXVI.
Then the captain, young Lord Leigh, with his eyes so grey of blee—
Toll slowly.
And thin lips that scarcely sheath the cold white gnashing of his teeth,
Gnashed in smiling, absently,—