6. "Hark! distant voices that lightly
Ripple the silence deep!
No; the swans that, circling nightly,
Through the silver waters sweep.

"See I not, there, a white shimmer?
Something with pale silken shrine?
No; it is the column's glimmer,
'Gainst the gloomy hedge of pine."

* * * * *

7. "Hark, below the gates unbarring!
Tramp of men and quick commands!
''Tis my lord come back from hunting,'
And the Duchess claps her hands.

"Slow and tired came the hunters;
Stopped in darkness in the court.
'Ho, this way, ye laggard hunters!
To the hall! What sport, what sport.'

"Slow they entered with their master;
In the hall they laid him down.
On his coat were leaves and blood-stains,
On his brow an angry frown."

* * * * *