The fattest buck which trod the vast domain
Was for the banquet seasonably slain;
And choice provisions, of the daintiest sort
(Full meet to grace the table for the court),
Were being selected with the greatest care
By one[246] who was himself a connoisseur.
Day after day had flown with magic haste;
The banquet-room was ’ranged with nicest taste;
And everything throughout seem’d neat and clean
(Fit for the habitation of a queen).
All invitations had been duly sent;
Lord Arnold look’d quite happy and content:
Naught now remain’d but to pluck fresh the flowers,
And plant the banners on the two high towers.
[246] Lord Mountjoy.