EARNDOLF'S BRIDAL. I. THERE rose a chaunt most wild, though low, From Earndolf's lordly tow'r, Amidst a scene of gallant show That told the bridal hour: Alas, without its thrilling tone, I've made the burthen thus my own!— "Haste hither, haste hither, The bride is array'd— Ere the bright flow'rs wither O'er which the priest pray`d!—— Haste hither, haste hither, They droop even now! Ah, why should they wither So soon on her brow ?" II. With vacant eye and unbound hair, A lady, who, with queenly air, Stood there to play the bride, Unheedful of that pale one's ban, Who thus again the chaunt began :— “Haste hither, haste hither, Gay bridegroom and true, Ere the bright flow'rs wither I've gather'd for you! Haste hither, haste hither, I've bathed them with tears,Oh, why should they wither? It is not with years— It is not with years !" The knightly bridegroom's step drew near; The bride's cheek grew more bright; Still rose that chaunt so low, yet clear, As if some strange delight The singer felt to croon it o'er, Until he reach'd the chamber door : - "He's coming, he 's coming!" (More loud rang the song)— "He's coming, he's coming, To work his own wrong; For sorrow- -for sorrow Is sure to betide: To-morrow, to-morrow Will widow the bride Will widow the bride !" IV. Upon the threshold stood the knight, The priest, as seized with sudden fright, His beads began to tell; The bride's flush'd cheek grew pale again; Yet still ran on that troubled strain : "Haste hither, haste hither, But its flow'rs will wither Like passion's decay !— Haste hither, haste hither, The bride's eye is bright: Before it is night— Before it is night !"— V. How long the group thus fix'd remain'd, It boots not now to say; But when the knight a bride had gain'd, Again was heard that chaunt so wild, "Haste hither, haste hither: She's won, and she's wed; But her bride-wreath will wither Haste hither, haste hither: He's given the ring; But her fair hand will wither She'll fade in life's spring She 'll fade in life's spring!" |