Classic Poem

But how and where they twain could meet unseen,
Unknown! Love found the way,
The place, the hour.
Rowena with her page was wont to stray
Along the topmost cliffs. Here was a bower
Hemmed in by rocks, where once an eagle's nest had been.

By Eric's loyal hand a note was brought.
Sir Harold scarce could bear
To break the seal.
"To-night at nine, be at the eagle's lair;
Let Eric guide. Yours, aye, come woe, come weal."
Too slowly moved the hours with love's dear issues fraught.

They met. No eye but Heaven's the secrets knew,
That sad, sweet hour betrayed,
Their hearts nigh burst
'Twixt hope and fear. Yet now, no more afraid
To face the world and say "Yea, do your worst;
For aye, come weal, come woe, each will to each be true."