Page:Pleasant Memories.pdf/238

Of cheek more pale, perchance, but strong at heart.
Yet still those spectres poured their arrow-flight,
Or hurled the deadly stone, while at the gates
The conqueror of Cressy sued in vain.
"Lead them to die!" he bade.
                                     In nobler hearts
There was a throb of pity for the foe
So fallen and so unblenching; yet none dared
Meet that fierce temper with the word, forgive!

Who comes with hasty step, and flowing robe,
And hair so slightly bound? The Queen! the Queen!
An earnest pity on her lifted brow,
Tears in her azure eye, like drops of light.
What seeks she with such fervid eloquence?
Life for the lost! And ever as she fears
Her suit in vain, more wildly heaves her breast,
In secrecy of prayer, to save her lord
From cruelty so dire, and from the pangs
Of late remorse. At first, the strong resolve
Curled on his lip, and raised his haughty head,
While every firm-set muscle prouder swelled.
To iron rigor. Then his flashing eye
Rested upon her, till its softened glance
Confessed contagion from her tenderness,
As with a manly and chivalrous grace
The boon he gave.
                        Oh woman! ever seek
A victory like this; with heavenly warmth