XII.

'Twas midnight--all was slumber; the lone light Dimmed in the lamp, as both to break the night. Hark! there be murmurs heard in Lara's hall-- A sound--a voice--a shriek--a fearful call! A long, loud shriek--and silence--did they hear That frantic echo burst the sleeping ear? They heard and rose, and, tremulously brave, Rush where the sound invoked their aid to save; They come with half-lit tapers in their hands, And snatched in startled haste unbelted brands. 210