midnight
`` To a tradition of your house , '' replied Sybil . `` Listen to me , and you shall hear the legend . '' And with a pathos that produced a thrilling effect upon Luke , she sang the following ballad : Grim Ranulph home hath at midnight come , from the long wars of the Roses , And the squire , who waits at his ancient gates , a secret dark discloses ; To that varlet 's words no response accords his lord , but his visage stern Grows ghastly white in the wan moonlight , and his eyes like the lean wolf 's burn . To his lady 's bower , at that lonesome hour , unannounced , is Sir Ranulph gone ; Through the dim corridor , through the hidden door , he glides -- she is all alone ! Full of holy zeal doth his young dame kneel at the meek Madonna 's feet , Her hands are pressed on her gentle breast , and upturned is her aspect sweet . Beats Ranulph 's heart with a joyful start , as he looks on her guiltless face ; And the raging fire of his jealous ire is subdued by the words of grace ; His own name shares her murmured prayers -- more freely can he breathe ; But ah !