Yes, they who chose might smile, but some had seen

They scarce knew what, but more than should have been.

Why gazed he so upon the ghastly head Which hands profane had gather'd from the dead,

That still beside his open'd volume lay,
As if to startle all save him away?
Why slept he not when others were at rest?
Why heard no music and received no guest?
All was not well, they deem'd -- but where
the wrong?

Some knew perchance, but 't were a tale too long;

150

And such besides were too discreetly wise, To more than hint their knowledge in surmise; But if they would the board, Thus Lara's vassals prattled of their lord.

they could'

X

around

It was the night, and Lara's glassy stream The stars are studding, each with imaged beam;

So calm, the waters scarcely seem to stray, And yet they glide like happiness away; Reflecting far and fairy-like from high The immortal lights that live along the sky.