XIX.

Their lodging, so the king assigned, To Marmion’s, as their guardian, joined; And thus it fell that, passing nigh, The Palmer caught the Abbess’ eye, Who warned him by a scroll She had a secret to reveal That much concerned the Church’s weal And health of sinner’s soul; And with deep charge of secrecy She named a place to meet, Within an open balcony That hung from dizzy pitch, and high Above the stately street; To which, as common to each home, At night they might in secret come.