Like a fearful, shadowy spirit, whom a curse is hanging o’er.

What! so soon from far Palermo?

Has he left the feast of pride—

Has he left the knightly tourney

For the happy homeward journey

And the greeting of his bride?

Coldly, darkly, in her bosom, the upspringing rapture died!

With a glance of tender meaning

On the maid he softly smiled,

And the answering smile, and token