Yet at the hour, the guiding light
On high began to burn,
'Twas vain--no eye observed, this night,
The little bark return. Far down the rugged rock that spread
Its masses round the tower,
Was placed a secret gate which led
To Violante's bower. Within this postern, steps were heard
At night approaching near,
And on her door so firmly barred
A knock aroused her ear;
--'Oh! who can thus, unknown advance
And knock so boldly there?'--
--'Tis Bernal, lady, thine of France:
He seeks thy smile to share.'
From couch of gold she reached the floor
And rent her vestment gay,
And as she gently opened the door
It quenched her taper's ray.