Henry Wadsworth Longfellow — The Black Knight

'T was Pentecost, the Feast of Gladness, When woods and fields put off all sadness.        &nbsp Thus began the King and spake:        &nbsp "So from the halls Of ancient hofburg's walls,        &nbsp A luxuriant Spring shall break." Drums and trumpets echo loudly, Wave the crimson banners proudly,        &nbsp From balcony the King looked on; In the play of spears, Fell all the cavaliers,        &nbsp Before the monarch's stalwart son. To the barrier of the fight Rode at last a sable Knight.        &nbsp "Sir Knight! your name and scutcheon, say!" "Should I speak it here, Ye would stand aghast with fear;        &nbsp I am a Prince of mighty sway!" When he rode into the lists, The arch of heaven grew black with mists,        &nbsp And the castle 'gan to rock; At the first blow, Fell the youth from saddle-bow,        &nbsp Hardly rises from the shock. Pipe and viol call the dances, Torch-light through the high halls glances;        &nbsp Waves a mighty shadow in; With manner bland Doth ask the maiden's hand,        &nbsp Doth with her the dance begin. Danced in sable iron sark, Danced a measure weird and dark,        &nbsp Coldly clasped her limbs around; From breast and hair Down fall from her the fair        &nbsp Flowerets, faded, to the ground. To the sumptuous banquet came Every Knight and every Dame,        &nbsp 'Twixt son and daughter all distraught, With mournful mind The ancient King reclined,        &nbsp Gazed at them in silent thought. Pale the children both did look, But the guest a beaker took:        &nbsp "Golden wine will make you whole!" The children drank, Gave many a courteous thank:        &nbsp "O, that draught was very cool!" Each the father's breast embraces, Son and daughter; and their faces        &nbsp Colorless grow utterly; Whichever way Looks the fear-struck father gray,        &nbsp He beholds his children die. "Woe! the blessed children both Takest thou in the joy of youth;        &nbsp Take me, too, the joyless father!" Spake the grim Guest, From his hollow, cavernous breast;        &nbsp "Roses in the spring I gather!"