To think what a miserable despot he—
Lord Richard Strongbow, aye and ever
To his daughter was!) forsooth! must wed
With an Eastern Earl—some Lovell: one whom
(That God in His mercy had smote him dead!)
Hortense of Clare—but in baby bloom—
Never had mirrored with maiden eyes.
Sealed over a baby to strengthen some ties—
Of power or wealth—had been bartered then
And sold and purchased, and now ... but when