And fitful fancy's play._

_He sat him by the bright hearth-side,
And turned towards the door;
And there upon the threshold stood
His lady, weeping sore._

_He chased her down the winding stair,
And out into the night,
But only found a withered crone,
With long hair, loose and white._

_"Come hither now, you sly-faced witch;
Come hither now to me.
Say if a lady all so pale
Your evil eyes did see?"_

_"Oh, true, I saw a little lass,
She went all white as snow;
She crossed my hands with silver crown
Just two short hours ago."_

_"What did you tell the foolish wench,
Who must my lady be?
The false tale you did tell to her
You now must tell to me."_

_"I hate you, Black Earl Roderick,
You're cruel, hard, and cold;
Yet you shall grieve like a young child