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

190 HAROLD THE DAUNTLESS. [CANTO IV.
The seven towers ascended like mist from the
ground,
Seven portals defend them, seven ditches surround.
Within that dread castle seven monarchs were
wed,
But six of the seven ere the morning lay dead;
With their eyes all on fire, and their daggers all
red,
Seven damsels surround the Northumbrian's bed.
" Six kingly bridegrooms to death we have done,
Six gallant kingdoms King Adolf hath won,
Six lovely brides all his pleasure to do,
Or the bed of the seventh shall be husbandless
too."
Well chanced it that Adolf the night when he
wed
Had confess'd and had sain'd him ere boune to his
bed;
He sprung from the couch and his broadsword he
drew,
And there the seven daughters of Urien he slew.
The gate of the castle he bolted and seal'd,
And hung o'er each arch-stone a crown and a
shield;