XXI

So saying she hobbled off with busy fear.

      The lover's endless minutes slowly pass'd;

      The Dame return'd, and whisper'd in his ear

      To follow her; with aged eyes aghast

      From fright of dim espial. Safe at last,

      Through many a dusky gallery, they gain

      The maiden's chamber, silken, hush'd and chaste;

      Where Porphyro took covert, pleased amain.

His poor guide hurried back with agues in her brain.