L'ESPERANCE.
I
Who gazes so long on each glittering light
That beams from the walls of yon castle to-night:
Its lord, if he knew that Sir Leon is near,
Would watch his fair child with suspicion and fear.
She smiles at the feast where gay nobles are met,
But she thinks of the knight she was told to forget.
Sir Leon be bold, never think of mischance,
Trust to honour and truth, L'Espérance, L'Espérance!
II
The minstrels come forth, and light measures they play,
Each guest wears a mask and fantastic array;
The peasant and prince meet to laugh and to jest,
And the lord of the east woes the lass of the west.
A pilgrim in grey to fair Emmeline kneels,
Whose mask scarcely veils the delight that she feels.
Sir Leon be bold, lead her forth to the dance,
Trust to honour and truth, L'Espérance, L'Espérance!
III
The morning is come, and with helm, spear, and shield,
The nobles are seen riding forth to the field;
The knight who prevails with his lance and his sword,
Is to marry the child of the castle's proud lord.
Each rival o'erthrown on the earth fainting lies,
While a stranger kneels down for the conqueror's prize;
Sir Leon is bold, and he wields a good lance,
Here's to honour and truth, L'Espérance, L'Espérance!