While Lindesay told his marvel strange,
The twilight was so pale,
He mark'd not Marmion's colour change, 365
While listening to the tale:
But, after a suspended pause,
The Baron spoke:--'Of Nature's laws
So strong I held the force,
That never superhuman cause 370
Could e'er control their course;
And, three days since, had judged your aim
Was but to make your guest your game.
But I have seen, since past the Tweed,
What much has changed my sceptic creed, 375
And made me credit aught.'--He staid,
And seem'd to wish his words unsaid:
But, by that strong emotion press'd,
Which prompts us to unload our breast,
Even when discovery's pain, 380
To Lindesay did at length unfold
The tale his village host had told,
At Gifford, to his train.
Nought of the Palmer says he there,
And nought of Constance, or of Clare; 385
The thoughts, which broke his sleep, he seems
To mention but as feverish dreams.