He would swear, for all his oaks, So it is: yet let us sing, Honor to the woods unshorn! And to all the Sherwood-clan! Though their days have hurried by, Let us two a burden1 try. THE EVE OF ST. AGNES 45 50 55 бо The level chambers, ready with their Were glowing to receive a thousand pride, guests: The carved angels, ever eager-eyed, Stared, where upon their heads the cornice rests, 35 With hair blown back, and wings put crosswise on their breasts. At length burst in the argent revelry, With plume, tiara, and all rich array, Numerous as shadows haunting fairily The brain, new stuffed, in youth, with triumphs gay Of old romance. away, 40 These let us wish And turn, sole-thoughted, to one Lady there, Whose heart had brooded, all that wintry day, On love, and winged St. Agnes' saintly care, As she had heard old dames full many times declare. 45 They told her how, upon St. Agnes' Eve, Young virgins might have visions of delight, |