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And now had the marriage been blest by the priest. The revelry now was begun; The tables they groan'd with the weight of the feast, Nor yet had the laughter and merriment ceas'd, When the bell of the castle toll'd--ONE!
'Twas then, with amazement, fair Imogene found, A stranger was plac'd by her side; His air was terrific, he utter'd no sound, He spoke not, he mov'd not, he look'd not around, But earnestly gaz'd on tho bride.
His visor was clos'd, and gigantic his height, His armour was sable to view ; All laughter and pleasure were hush'd at his sight, The dogs as they ey'd him, drew back with affright, And the lights in the chamber burnt blue.
His presenco all bosoms appear'd to dismay,
The guests sat in silence and fear ;
At length spoke the bride, while she trembled-
" I pray,
Sir Knight, that your helmet aside you would lay,
And deign to partake of our cheer."
The lady is silent--the stranger complies, And his visor he slowly unclos'd— O God, what a sight met Imogene's eyes, What words can express her dismay and surprise, When a skeleton's head was expos'd.
All present then utter'd a terrified shout;
And turn'd with disgust from the scene;
The worms they crept in, and the worms they
crept out,
And sported his eyes and temples about,
While the spectre address'd Imogene ;
