Page:Harold the Dauntless - Scott (1817).djvu/69
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Canto II.
HAROLD THE DAUNTLESS.
59
Again, "A powerful baron's heir
Claims in her heart an interest fair."
"A trifle—whisper in his ear,
That Harold is a suitor here!"
Baffled at length she sought delay:
"Would not the Knight till morning stay?
Late was the hour—he there might rest
Till morn, their lodge's honour'd guest."
Such were her words,—her craft might cast,
Her honour'd guest should sleep his last:
"No, not to-night—but soon," he swore,
"He would return, nor leave them more."
The threshold then his huge stride crost,
And soon he was in darkness lost.
Claims in her heart an interest fair."
"A trifle—whisper in his ear,
That Harold is a suitor here!"
Baffled at length she sought delay:
"Would not the Knight till morning stay?
Late was the hour—he there might rest
Till morn, their lodge's honour'd guest."
Such were her words,—her craft might cast,
Her honour'd guest should sleep his last:
"No, not to-night—but soon," he swore,
"He would return, nor leave them more."
The threshold then his huge stride crost,
And soon he was in darkness lost.