They have fetched the steed with care, in the harness he did wear, Toll slowly. Past the court and through the doors, across the rushes of the floors;

But they goad him up the stair.

Then from out her bower chambère, did the Duchess May repair. Toll slowly. "Tell me now what is your need," said the lady, "of this steed, That ye goad him up the stair?"

Calm she stood; unbodkined through, fell her dark hair to her shoe, Toll slowly. And the smile upon her face, ere she left the tiring-glass,

Had not time enough to go.

Low she dropped her head, and lower,

till her hair coiled on the floor, Toll slowly. And tear after tear you heard fall distinct as any word

Which you might be listening for.

"Get thee in, thou soft ladie! - here is never a place for thee!Toll slowly.

Braid thy hair and clasp thy gown, that thy beauty in its moan May find grace with Leigh of Leigh."

She stood up in bitter case, with a pale yet stately face,

Toll slowly. Like a statue thunderstruck, which, though quivering, seems to look

Right against the thunder-place.

And her foot trod in, with pride, her own tears i' the stone beside, Toll slowly. "Go to, faithful friends, go to! Judge no more what ladies do,

No, nor how their lords may ride!"

Then the good steed's rein she took, and his neck did kiss and stroke: Toll slowly. Soft he neighed to answer her; and then followed up the stair, For the love of her sweet look.

Oh, and steeply, steeply wound up

the narrow stair around, Toll slowly. Oh, and closely speeding, step by step beside her treading, Did he follow, meek as hound. On the east tower, high'st of all, there, where never a hoof did fall, Toll slowly. Out they swept, a vision steady, noble steed and lovely lady, Calm as if in bower or stall!

Down she knelt at her lord's knee, and she looked up silently,

Toll slowly. And he kissed her twice and thrice, for that look within her eyes Which he could not bear to see.