Committed by my ancestor—a ruthless, bloody deed!
“For during times of danger, a sable-armoured stranger
One night had roused the castle, and shelter had implored;
Much gold, he said, he carried, and now too late had tarried,
To risk the chance of robbers, or to cross the neighbouring ford.
“He was shown into a bedroom, since that period called the Red Room,
(You can see it,” said Sir Walter, “for yonder is the door;
And there, in our safe keeping, the Dutchman now is sleeping);
And from that room the stranger never, never issued more.
“But throughout this ancient castle, each terror-stricken vassal