That was the guerdon of the king.
In the dark the diamond lies,
Seen of no vassal’s eyes.
Nor any vassal’s tongue can tell
How,—when the spying Day is sped
And sleeps with the safe dead;
When Gruach loosens her long hair
Midnight-black on her shoulders bare,
And sinks to the comfort of despair;
At the witches’ hour, when the shadows swell