It was the herald-cry by which salvation was ushered into the world, and surely no other can be so proper for introducing it into the minds of children.

A golden crucifix and a silver vase containing holy water were deposited on a table of carved oak; and at the extremity of the room were grouped enormous tapers of wax, near which stood two heralds-king-at-arms, in their splendid state costume, leaning upon their swords.

Then, while all were feasting with great concord, there suddenly came into that hall an herald-messenger; the whom, when King Arthur beheld him, he asked: "What message hast thou brought?"

Guy of the Temple Down the dim West slow fails the stricken sun, And from his hot face fades the crimson flush Veiled in death's herald-shadows sick and gray.

'Tis for thyself to choose whom thou wilt send; But never shalt thou blame my herald-words.