XVIII.

While Lindesay told his marvel strange, The twilight was so pale, He marked not Marmion’s colour change, While listening to the tale; But, after a suspended pause, The baron spoke:—“Of Nature’s laws So strong I held the force, That never superhuman cause Could e’er control their course; And, three days since, had judged your aim Was but to make your guest your game. But I have seen, since passed the Tweed, What much has changed my sceptic creed, And made me credit aught.” He stayed, And seemed to wish his words unsaid: But, by that strong emotion pressed, Which prompts us to unload our breast, E’en when discovery’s pain, To Lindesay did at length unfold The tale his village host had told, At Gifford, to his train. Nought of the Palmer says he there, And nought of Constance, or of Clare: The thoughts which broke his sleep, he seems To mention but as feverish dreams.