Classic Poem

VI.

Still here I lie. But never yet
A woman's art to soothe me came.
E'en now my pangs I half forget —
But say what aspect bears the dame? "

VII.

" My Liege! I wot her form is tall,
And dark and wide the cloak she wears;
Her speech with finely cadenced fall
A noble Roman's birth declares. "

VIII.

" Nay, let her in, and wait without;
To Rome's fierce men some hate I bore;
But even them 'twere dream to doubt,
Since now Crescentius lives no more. "

IX.

In walked the leech in humble guise,
With cloak, and hood that veiled her brow:
Upon the King she cast her eyes,
Who said — " Fair dame, what seekest thou? "

X.

" Oh, King! I know a medicine strong
To heal the sting of mortal ill;
To thee of right its powers belong;
To thee I bring my best of skill. "