The two long years had passed away, When castle Galliard rose, As built at once by elfin hands, And scorning time or foes.
It might be thought that Merlin's imps Were tasked to raise the wall, That unheard axes fell the woods, While unseen hammers fall.
As hung by magic on a rock, The castle-keep looked down O'er rocks and rivers, and the smoke Of many a far off town.
And now, young knights and minstrels gay Obeyed their masters’ call, And loud rejoicing held the feast In the new raftered hall.
His minstrels and his mailed peers Were seated at the board, And at his side the highest sat William of the Long Sword.
This youthful knight, of princely birth, Was dazzling to behold, For his chain-mail from head to foot All glistened o'er with gold.
His surcoat dyed with azure blue In graceful foldings hung, And there the golden lions ramped, With bloody claws and tongue.
With crimson belt around his waist His sword was girded on; The hilt, a cross to kiss in death, Radiant with jewels shone.
The names and banners of each knight It were too long to tell; Here sat the brave Montgomery, There Bertrand and Rozell.
Of Richard's unresisted sword A noble minstrel sung, Whilst to an hundred answering harps The blazing gallery rung.
So all within was merriment — When, suddenly, a shout, As of some unexpected guest, Burst from the crowd without.
Now not a sound, and scarce a breath, Through the long hall is heard, When, with a young maid by his side, A vizored knight appeared.
Up the long hall they held their way, On to the royal seat; Then both together, hand in hand, Knelt at King Richard's feet.
Talbot, a Talbot! rang the hall With gratulation wild, Long live brave Talbot,and long live Earl William's new found child!
Amid a scene so new and strange, This poor maid could not speak; King Richard took her by the hand, And gently kissed her cheek;
Then placed her, smiling through a tear, By his brave brother's side: Long live brave Longspe! rang the hall, Long live his future bride!
To noble Richard, this fair child, His ward, was thus restored; Destined to be the future bride Of Him of the Long Sword.
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