Now bade the harpers rouse the air with song:

From pulsing throat and silver-throbbing string

The music soared, light-winged, and, fluttering, fell;

When, startled as one waking from a spell,

Geoffrey stepped back among the waiting knights;

While knelt another squire before the King.

In Queen Hild's eyes yet hovered stormy lights,

Beneath her glooming brows, as waters gleam

Under snow-laden skies; the summer day

For her in that brief glance had shivered grey,