And held to his bosom its essence of Life—
An heiress of titles and lands.
Ah, fondly he gazed on the face of the maid!
And blush-spoken fondness replied to his look;
While heart answered heart with a feverish beat,
And hand pressed the hand that it took.
"Fair lady of mine," said the knight, stooping low,
"Before I depart for the banquet of Death,
I crave a new draught from the fountain of Life,
Whose waters are all in thy breath.