Lord Thomas he had a sword by his side; As he walked about the hall, He cut off his bride's head from her shoulders, He set the hilt against the ground, Old Ballad CXXXII QUEEN MAB O then, I see, Queen Mab hath been with you. On courtiers' knees that dream on court'sies straight; CXXXIII YOUNG LOCHINVAR O, young Lochinvar is come out of the West! He stay'd not for brake and he stopt not for stone; He swam the Eske river where ford there was none; But ere he alighted at Netherby gate, The bride had consented; the gallant came late; So bravely he enter'd the Netherby Hall, Among bridesmen and kinsmen and brothers and all, 'I long woo'd your daughter, my suit you denied ; Love swells like the Solway, but ebbs like its tide; And now I am come with this lost love of mine The bride kiss'd the goblet, the knight took it up, So stately his form, and so lovely her face, While her mother did fret and her father did fume, And the bridegroom stood dangling his bonnet and plume; And the bride-maidens whispered, "Twere better by far To have match'd our fair cousin with young Lochinvar !' One touch to her hand and one word in her ear, When they reach'd the hall door; and the charger stood near; So light to the croupe the fair lady he swung, 'She is won! we are gone, over bank, bush and scaur, They'll have fleet steeds that follow!' cried young Lochinvar. There was mounting 'mong Græmes of the Netherby clan; Forsters, Fenwicks, and Musgraves, they rode and they ran; There was racing and chasing on Cannobie lea; But the lost bride of Netherby ne'er did they see. So daring in love, and so dauntless in war, Have ye e'er heard of gallant like young Lochinvar ! Sir W. Scott CXXXIV INCIDENT Characteristic of a Favorite Dog On his morning rounds the master Distinguished, two for scent, and two for speed. See a hare before him started! Off they fly in earnest chase; Every dog is eager-hearted, All the four are in the race! Deep the river was and crusted She hath crost, and without heed Breaks, and the greyhound Dart is overhead! Better fate have Prince and Swallow See them cleaving to the sport! Music has no heart to follow, Little Music, she stops short. A loving creature she, and brave! And fondly strives her struggling friend to save. From the brink her paws she stretches, Very hands as you would say ! And afflicting moans she fetches, For herself she hath no fears, Him alone she sees and hears,— Makes efforts with complainings; nor gives o'er, Until her fellow sinks to re-appear no more. W. Wordsworth CXXXV KING LEAR AND HIS THREE DAUGHTERS King Lear once ruled in this land |