And Norman spurred his jaded beast
Hard by the terrible gallows-tree.
"O, Norman, haste across this waste,—
For something seems to follow me!"
"Cheer up, dear Maud, for, thanked be God,
We nigh have passed the gallows-tree!"
He kissed her lip: then—spur and whip!
And fast they fled across the lea!
But vain the heel, and rowel steel,—
For something leaped from the gallows-tree!