13
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 terrifie, he utter'd no sound,
He spoke not, he mov'd not, he look'd not around
But earnestly gaz'd on the bride.
His vizer 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 presence all bosoms appear'd to dismay,
The guests sat in silenee 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 viser he slowly unelos'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;
