Palled by the dark, with thievish pace and still,

He stole into that castle night on night,

Aided by imps and magic power, until

Its walls were stripped, its coffers emptied quite,

And naught was left for use, and naught to please the sight.

And further yet to shew his hellish spite,

He bore the lady to a noisome den,

And chained her there, all hidden from the light,

Beneath his cave, far from the haunts of men;

Of her bright garments he disrobed her then,