University of Virginia Library

XI.

But through one deep and narrow hole
A beam through shadowy windings stole;—
Here strain'd the knight his anxious ken
To search that wild, mysterious den.
A vault, whose bounds he could not scan
Deep, dim, and far beneath him ran;
A dusky light that o'er it gleam'd
From bickering blaze at distance seem'd;—
Frequent it rested to betray
Where scatter'd armour gleaming lay,
And darkling shadows pass'd along
A rugged, tall, and well-arm'd throng;
Low mutter'd sounds beneath him roll'd,
But undistinct—no tale they told.
When loud and quick a shrill tone rang,
And came upon his ear a clang;—
Seem'd brazen portals to expand—
Started at once the robber band—
Dread they some fell, unlook'd assault?
A pealing shout ascends the vault.—
Each distant crag the echoes brought
Where the breathless knight the accents caught.—
“Vaumond!”—It shook that dismal den
Till all was still and dull agen.
Vanish'd each form below that past,
Upon that sound they flitted fast;—
And now afar he heard alone
A varying, low, and fitful tone;
A distant tread of heavy steps
Along that endless dungeon creeps;
Silence succeeds—the light went out—
All now is mystery, night, and doubt.