BETA

The Dungeon Key.

“ I give this key to the kelpie’s keep-
ing,”1
He cried, as the key smote the deep
lake’s breast ;2
He left her kneeling, in rueful weep-
ing,3
A rayless cell’s despairing guest,4
Away rushed the steed, and the crow
that was winging5
Its flight to the distant wood was
passed ;6
When morning dawned keen spurs were
stinging7
The courser’s flanks like a frosty blast.8
For knight and lady are vassals calling ;9
No voice replies from garden or bower ;10
Again round the castle is darkness falling,11
But search is vain in turret and tower.12
Year after year rolled by without telling13
The fearful deed one cell could disclose ;14
Her bones lie white in the dungeon
dwelling15
The knight for his lovely lady chose.16
That key is yet in the kelpie’s keeping ;17
He faithfully grasps that iron trust ;18
He heard her rueful cries and weeping,19
But said to himself, “What I must, I
must.”20