Had bended to the rock his ear,[402] had called,

Loud as he dared, “Maud! I am waiting, Maud!”

But never came reply.

Again, “Here, Maud!”

Then sobbed and sighed the wind,[403] all else was still.

At dawn of day, and fearing that she could

Not brave the storm, all wan and pale he rode

Swift down the steep descent to learn the worst.

He scarce had reached the narrow valley road

Ere Lysle and Dale each bade him halt[404] or die.