Canto II

Canto II

Perlise was the name of the girl, the one fairest of Carolman’s fair,
With soft pale skin, and violet eyes and starlight white hair.
She strode through fields of flowers, and knew the names of all the birds,
And could be found there at all hours, nature pleased with her soft words.
Her father’s domain was regal, with forests, glades, and many fields.
He soared on a great red eagle and commanded five thousand shields.
Both father and daughter were renowned, throughout the land of the old magic,
And so he commanded a feast by his great mound on the night that became so tragic
For as the men came to the sorcerer’s feast, Perlise in her place of honor sat,
Entered the man who served the dark beast disguised in magic cloak and hat.
He drew close to fair Perlise’s chair, and when the right moment drew near,
He grabbed her by her pure white hair and in a flash both disappeared.