Читать книгу Poems Teachers Ask For, Book Two - Various - Страница 70

The feast is o'er! Now brimming wine

In lordly cup is seen to shine

Before each eager guest;

And silence fills the crowded hall,

As deep as when the herald's call

Thrills in the loyal breast.

Then up arose the noble host,

And, smiling, cried: "A toast! a toast!

To all our ladies fair!

Here before all, I pledge the name

Of Staunton's proud and beauteous dame,

The Ladye Gundamere!"

Then to his feet each gallant sprung,

And joyous was the shout that rung,

As Stanley gave the word;

And every cup was raised on high,

Nor ceased the loud and gladsome cry

Till Stanley's voice was heard.

"Enough, enough," he, smiling, said,

And lowly bent his haughty head;

"That all may have their due,

Now each in turn must play his part,

And pledge the lady of his heart,

Like gallant knight and true!"

Then one by one each guest sprang up,

And drained in turn the brimming cup,

And named the loved one's name;

And each, as hand on high he raised,