Next day, the appointed day for plighting troths

At eve,—so little time to lose, you see,

Before the Church should weld, indissolubly

Bond into bond, wed these who, side by side,

Sit each by other, bold groom, blushing bride,—

At the preliminary banquet, graced

By all the lady's kinsfolk come in haste

To share her triumph,—lo, a thunderclap!

"Who importunes now?" "Such is my mishap—

In the king's name! No need that any stir