The night was dark and heavy when Lord William tied his steed to a rude
gate that guarded the entrance to the witch's den. He raised the latch,
but there was no light within.
"Holloa!" cried the courageous intruder; but all was dark and silent as
before. Just as he was about to depart he thought he heard a rustling
near him, and presently the croaking voice of the hag close at his ear.
"Lord William," said she, "thou art a bold man to come hither after
nightfall."
He felt something startled, but he swerved not from his purpose.
"Can'st help me to a bride, Mother Helston?" cried he, in a firm voice;
"for I feel mightily constrained to wed!"
"Is the doomed maiden of Bernshaw a bride fit for Lord William's bosom?"
said the invisible sorceress.
"Give me some charm to win her consent,--I care not for the rest."
"Charm!" replied the beldame, with a screech that made Lord William
start back. "Spells have I none that can bind her. I would she were in
my power; but she hath spell for spell. Nought would avail thee, for she
is beyond my reach; her power would baffle mine?"
"Is she too tainted with the iniquity that is abroad?"
"I tell thee yea; and my spirit must bow to hers.
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