The bridesmaids' prattle around her ceased;
She leaned forth, one on either hand;
They saw how the blush of the bride increased—
They felt by its beats her heart expand—
As one at each ear and both in a breath
"Whispered, "The Great-Duke Ferdinand."
That selfsame instant, underneath,
The Duke rode past in his idle way,
Empty and fine like a swordless sheath.