XIX

Which was, to lead him, in close secrecy,

      Even to Madeline's chamber, and there hide

      Him in a closet, of such privacy

      That he might see her beauty unespied,

      And win perhaps that night a peerless bride,

      While legion'd fairies paced the coverlet,

      And pale enchantment held her sleepy-eyed.

      Never on such a night have lovers met,

Since Merlin paid his Demon all the monstrous debt.