SELECTIONS IN ENGLISH POETRY
Whose prayers for thee, each morn and evening,
Were never missed/ Thus plaining, doth she bring
A gentler speech from burning Porphyro;
So woeful, and of such deep sorrowing, 160
That Angela gives promise she will do
Whatever he shall wish, betide her weal or woe.
XIX
Which was, to lead him, in close secrecy,
Even to Madeline's chamber, and there hide
Him in a closet, of such privacy 165
That he might see her beauty unespied,
And win perhaps that night a peerless bride,
.While legioned fairies paced the coverlet,
And pale enchantment held her sleepy-eyed.
Never on such a night have lovers met, 170
Since Merlin paid his Demon all the monstrous debt.
XX
*It shall be as thou wishest,' said the Dame:
'All cates and dainties shall be stored there
Quickly on this feast-night; by the tambour frame
Her own Lute thou wilt see : no time to spare, 175
For I am slow and feeble, and scarce dare
On such a catering trust my dizzy head.
Wait here, my child, with patience kneel in prayer
The while. Ah! thou must needs the lady wed,
Or may I never leave my grave among the dead/ 180
XXI
So saying she hobbled off with busy fear.
The lover's endless minutes slowly passed ;
The dame returned, and whispered in his ear
156