As the Virgin Mother’s mild.

Oh! roughly cradled was thy babe,

Midst the clash of spear and lance,

And a strange, wild bower was thine, young queen!

Fair Marguerite of France!

A dark and vaulted chamber,

Like a scene for wizard-spell,

Deep in the Saracenic gloom

Of the warrior citadel;

And there midst arms the couch was spread,