IX.

A NOISE ON THE FLOOR.

This is the scene on which now enters in Eviradnus; and follows page Gasclin.

The outer walls were almost all decayed, The door, for ancient Marquises once made-- Raised many steps above the courtyard near-- Commanded view of the horizon clear. The forest looked a great gulf all around, And on the rock of Corbus there were found Secret and blood-stained precipices tall. Duke Plato built the tower and banquet hall Over great pits,--so was it Rumor said. The flooring sounds 'neath Eviradnus' tread Above abysses many. "Page," said he, "Come here, your eyes than mine can better see, For sight is woman-like and shuns the old; Ah! he can see enough, when years are told, Who backwards looks. But, boy, turn towards the glade And tell me what you see." The boy obeyed, And leaned across the threshold, while the bright, Full moon shed o'er the glade its white, pure light.

"I see a horse and woman on it now," Said Gasclin, "and companions also show." "Who are they?" asked the seeker of sublime Adventures. "Sir, I now can hear like chime The sound of voices, and men's voices too, Laughter and talk; two men there are in view, Across the road the shadows clear I mark Of horses three." "Enough. Now, Gasclin, hark!" Exclaimed the knight, "you must at once return By other path than that which you discern, So that you be not seen. At break of day Bring back our horses fresh, and every way Caparisoned; now leave me, boy, I say." The page looked at his master like a son, And said, "Oh! if I might stay on, For they are two."

"Go--I suffice alone!"