BOOK THE FOURTH
137
Even he the prophet almost terrifiéd,
Endur'd but half to view him, for he knew 250
Azarael, stern-brow'd Messenger of Fate,
And his death-day was come. Guilt-petrified
The Monarch sat, nor could endure to face
His bosom-probing frown. The mission'd Maid
Read anxious his stern features and exclaim'd 255
"I know thee Conrade!" Rising from her seat,
She took his hand, for he stood motionless,
Gazing on Agnes now with full-fix'd eye,
Dreadful though calm: him from the Court she drew,
And to the river's banks resisting not, 260
Both sadly silent led; till at the last
As from a dream awaking, Conrade look'd
Full on the Maid, and falling on her neck,
He wept.
"I know thee, Damsel!" he exclaim'd,
"Dost thou remember that tempestuous night, 265
When I, a weather-beaten traveller, sought
Your hospitable doors? ah me! I then
Endur'd but half to view him, for he knew 250
Azarael, stern-brow'd Messenger of Fate,
And his death-day was come. Guilt-petrified
The Monarch sat, nor could endure to face
His bosom-probing frown. The mission'd Maid
Read anxious his stern features and exclaim'd 255
"I know thee Conrade!" Rising from her seat,
She took his hand, for he stood motionless,
Gazing on Agnes now with full-fix'd eye,
Dreadful though calm: him from the Court she drew,
And to the river's banks resisting not, 260
Both sadly silent led; till at the last
As from a dream awaking, Conrade look'd
Full on the Maid, and falling on her neck,
He wept.
"I know thee, Damsel!" he exclaim'd,
"Dost thou remember that tempestuous night, 265
When I, a weather-beaten traveller, sought
Your hospitable doors? ah me! I then
"Was
