. . . . . . . . . .
Her robe was stained with the ruby tide
Once pure as the fleece so white;
And she hied her to the river-side
To wash in the waters bright.
While there she stood three knights so gay
Came riding bold and free.
"Ho! tell us young serving maiden, pray
Where yon castle's lady may be?"
"Alas! no serving maid am I,
But the lady of yonder castle high!"
"O sister, sister, truly tell
Who did this wrong to thee?"
"Dear brothers it was the husband fell
To whom you married me."
. . . . . . . . . .
The brothers spurred their steeds in haste
And the castle soon they gained.
From chamber to chamber they swiftly passed
Nor paused till they reached the tower at last
Where the felon knight remained:
They drew their swords so sharp and bright
They thought on their sister sweet;
They struck together the felon knight,
And his head rolled at their feet!
Translated by Louis S. Costello.
XXII
ROCHER-ST.-POL
La Tour de la Dame Blanche