"
And forth she sternly bade him go,
But followed with her eyes.
I ween she knew the brave knight well
Through all his fair disguise.
But when had dawned another morn,
He bade his bugleman
To sound again the parley-horn
Ere yet the fray began.
And forth he sent a trusty knight
To seek the castle-gate
And to the princess privately
His message to relate;--
That he it was who in disguise
Her warders bade to pass,
And while he parleyed there her eyes
Had pierced his plates of brass.
His heart he offered and his hand,
And pledged a signet-ring
If she would yield her brave command
Unto his gracious king.
"Go tell your chief," Maria cried--
"Audacious as he is--
If he be worthy such a bride
My castle and hand are his.
But he should know that lady fair
By faint heart ne'er was won;
So let your gallant chieftain, sir,
Come undisguised alone.
"And he may see in the northern tower,
Over yonder precipice,
A lone, dim light at the midnight hour
Shine down the dark abyss.
And over the chasm's dungeon-gloom
Shall a slender ladder hang;
And if alone he dare to come,--
Unarmed--without a clang,
"More of his suit your chief shall hear
Perhaps may win the prize;
Tell him the way is hedged with fear,--
One misstep and he dies.
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