Broad the forest stood (I read) on the hills of Linteged

Toll slowly. And three hundred years had stood mute adown each hoary wood, Like a full heart having prayed. And the little birds sang east, and the little birds sang west, Toll slowly. And but little thought was theirs, of the silent antique years, In the building of their nest.

Down the sun dropped large and red, on the towers of Linteged, Toll slowly. Lance and spear upon the height, bristling strange in fiery light, While the castle stood in shade.

But what time she had made good all her years of womanhood, Toll slowly. Unto both those Lords of Leigh, spake she out right sovranly, "My will runneth as my blood.

"And while this same blood makes red this same right hand's veins," she said,

Toll slowly. ""Tis my will as lady free, not to wed a Lord of Leigh, But Sir Guy of Linteged." The old Earl he smiled smooth, then he sighed for wilful youth.· Toll slowly.

"I will wring my fingers pale in the gauntlet of my mail,

Toll slowly. 'Little hand and muckle gold' close shall lie within my hold, As the sword did, to prevail."

Oh the little birds sang east, and the little birds sang west,

Toll slowly. Oh, and laughed the Duchess May, and her soul did put away All his boasting, for a jest.

In her chamber did she sit, laughing low to think of it,

Toll slowly. "Tower is strong and will is freethou canst boast, my Lord of Leigh,

But thou boasteth little wit."