Bishop Bruno awoke in the dead midnight,
And he heard his heart beat loud with affright:
He dreamt he had rung the palace bell,
And the sound it gave was his passing knell.
Bishop Bruno smiled at his fears so vain
He turned to sleep and he dreamt again
He rung at the palace gate once more,
And Death was the porter that opened the door.
He started up at the fearful dream,
And he heard at his window the screech owl scream!
Bishop Bruno slept no more that night;—
Oh! glad was he when he saw the day light!
Now he goes forth in proud array,
For he with the emperor dines to-day;
There was not a baron in Germany
That went with a nobler train than he.
Before and behind his soldiers ride,
The people throng’d to see their pride;
They bow’d the head, and the knee they bent,
But nobody blest him as he went.
So he went on stately and proud,
When he heard a voice that cried aloud,
Ho! ho! bishop Bruno! you travel with glee—
But I would have you know, you travel to me!
Behind, and before, and on either side,
He look’d, but nobody he espied;
And the bishop at that grew cold with fear,
For he heard the words distinct and clear.
And when he rung the palace bell,
He almost expected to hear his knell
And when the porter turn’d the key,
He almost expected Death to see.
But soon the bishop recover’d his glee,
For the emperor welcomed him royally
And now the tables were spread, and there
Were choicest wines and dainty fare.