Classic Poem

The aged castellan beside the fire
Bends o'er his parchment leaves, in his desire
To learn the wise old proverbs of the past
That speak of gerfalcons' and hawks' wild cast;
The chatelaine her rosary unwinds
In sleepy fingers; and the buffoon binds
His bells in imitation, for a laugh,
Shaking his ruddy hood and tinkling staff.

In silence the fair damsel draws the threads
Of silk and gold; beneath her lashes sheds
Her glances on the ruddy page who stands
Below her daïs smiling half in glee,
The while he plucks the hound's ear aimlessly,
Until a hollow growl sounds 'neath his hands.