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THE PIC-NIC THE BANQUET HALI THE ANNIVERSARY OF ST. ALBANS (Now first published) BY TIIE CELEBRATED MRS. RADCLIFFE Far distant rose those walls upon the light The stately walls, with tapestry richly dight, f th' Abbot's banquet-hall, where, as on throne, He sat at the high daïs, like Prince, alone, Save when a Royal Guest was there, Or papal Legate claimed a chair. Here marble platforms, flight o'er flight, Slow rising through the long-lined view, Showed tables, spread at different height, Where each for different rank he knew And with pleased glance, adown the hall Saw Bishops in their far-sought palle The Abbey's noble Seneschal, Barons and Earls, in gold array, And warrior knights, in harness grey. There was the Prior's delegated sway, The grave Archdeacon sat below, And th' hundred Monks, in row and row; Not robed in dismal sable they Upon a high and festal day,