There is a festival, where knights and dames,

And aught that wealth or lofty lineage claims,

Appear—a high-born and a welcome guest

To Otho's hall came Lara with the rest.

The long carousal shakes the illumined hall,

Well speeds alike the banquet and the ball;

And the gay dance of bounding Beauty's train

Links grace and harmony in happiest chain: 390

Blest are the early hearts and gentle hands

That mingle there in well according bands;

It is a sight the careful brow might smooth,

And make Age smile, and dream itself to youth,

And Youth forget such hour was past on earth,

So springs the exulting bosom to that mirth![jv]