XX.

Before them stood a guilty pair; But, though an equal fate they share, Yet one alone deserves our care. Her sex a page’s dress belied; The cloak and doublet, loosely tied, Obscured her charms, but could not hide. Her cap down o’er her face she drew; And, on her doublet breast, She tried to hide the badge of blue, Lord Marmion’s falcon crest. But, at the Prioress’ command, A monk undid the silken band, That tied her tresses fair, And raised the bonnet from her head, And down her slender form they spread, In ringlets rich and rare. Constance de Beverley they know, Sister professed of Fontevraud, Whom the church numbered with the dead For broken vows, and convent fled.