The poetical works of Sir Walter Scott, with memoir of the author.

186 HAROLD THE DAUNTLESS. [CANTO IV.
XI.
Answer'd the Prior —" 'Tis wisdom's use
Still to delay what we dare not refuse;
Ere granting the boon he comes hither to ask,
Shape for the giant gigantic task;
Let us see how a step so sounding can tread
In paths of darkness, danger, and dread;
He may not, he will not, impugn our decree,
That calls but for proof of his chivalry;
And were Guy to return, or Sir Bevis the Strong,
Our wilds have adventure might cumber them
longThe Castle of Seven Shields " ----" Kind Anselm,
no more
The step of the Pagan approaches the door."
The churchmen were hush'd.-In his mantle of
skin,
With his mace on his shoulder, Count Harold
strode in.
There was foam on his lips, there was fire in his
eye,
For, chafed by attendance, his fury was nigh.
Ho! Bishop," he said, " dost thou grant me my
claim?
Or must I assert it by falchion and flame?"XII.
" On thy suit, gallant Harold," the Bishop replied
In accents which trembled, "we may not decide,