The coal-black steed doth slack his speed

An’ halt at the ladye’s side,

An’ a red light gleams in flickering beams

Around her far and wide.

A mail-clad knight doth now alight,

So ghastly pale an’ wan

That the ladye cries, wi’ tearfu’ eyes,

“Where is my lover gane!”

A voice like the hollow, murm’ring wind

Replied to the high-born dame—