Note 12 — RANDOM PASSAGES FROM ROUGH NOTES OF A VISIT TO ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, FRANCE, SWITZERLAND, AND GERMANY.

'The Castle of Schöenberg was lofty and fair, And seven countesses ruléd there: Lovely, and noble, and wealthy I trow— Every sister had suitors enow. Crowned duke and belted knight Sigh'd at the feet of those ladies bright: And they whispered hope to every one, While they vow'd in their hearts they would have none!

Gentles, list to the tale I tell; 'Tis many a year since this befel: Women are altered now, I ween, And never say what they do not mean!

'At the Castle of Schöenberg 'twas merriment all— There was dancing in bower, and feasting in hall; They ran at the ring in the tilt-yard gay, And the moments flew faster than thought away! But not only moments—the days fled too— And they were but as when they first came to woo; And spake they of marriage or bliss deferr'd, They were silenced by laughter and scornful word!

Gentles, list to the tale I tell; 'Tis many a year since this befel: And ladies now so mildly reign, They never sport with a lover's pain!

'Knight look'd upon knight with an evil eye— Each fancied a favored rival nigh; And darker every day they frowned, And sharper still the taunt went round; Till swords were drawn, and lances in rest, And the blood ran down from each noble breast; While the sisters sat in their chairs of gold, And smiled at the fall of their champions bold!

Gentles, lift to the tale I tell; 'Tis many a year since this befel; Times have changed, and we must allow, Countesses are not so cruel now.

'Morning dawn'd upon Schöenberg's towers, But the sisters were not in their wonted bowers; Their damsels sought them the castle o'er— But upon earth they were seen no more; Seven rocks are in the tide, Ober-wesel's walls beside, Baring their cold brows to heaven: They are called, 'The Sisters Seven.'

Gentles, list to the tale I tell; 'Tis many a year since this befel: And ladies now may love deride, And their suitors alone be petrified!'