University of Virginia Library

VI.

In earnest speech then craved the Knight
The counter-signal for the night.
“‘Peace be on earth!’ shall be your guide,
And shield you through this Abbey wide;
But if, as knight, you rashly show
Your rank,—though cased from top to toe,
You cannot 'scape the secret hate,
That dwells in our divided state.

321

Duke Richard's soldiers are abroad;
And where, Sir Knight, is your good sword?”