54 THE BRIDAL OF MA WORTH. 



" Nay, blame me not I saw such sorrows sweep 

 Across thy brow,, I could not choose but weep ; 

 And much I strove to soothe but all in vain, 

 It would not be thy sadness came again ; 

 And then I thought in sooth, a simple thought, 

 Twas fancy's dream that thou didst love me not : 

 But thou dost love me ? I could never live 

 Didst thou not love me silly 'twas to grieve. 

 But oh ! such care seem'd gathered on thy brow, 

 I knew not then 'twas strange I wonder now. 

 More sorrow than their wont thy features wore, 

 And looks I had not learn'd as thine before ; 

 And then I deem'd thee angry ; but I know 

 'Twas not with me, for thou hast told me so. 

 But we are happy now doubt not thy hand 

 Shall soon disperse the daring outlaw's band, 

 And soon in triumph shall my conqu'ror come, 

 And captive bring their fetter'd leader home; 

 And I will sit upon my turret's height 

 The livelong day, to see thee come at night, 

 And vengeance shall to thee and Heaven be given 

 On him ! the excommunicate of Heaven, 

 Accurst 1 who slew but why that sudden start ? 

 So much thou dost abhor him in thy heart 

 Who slew thy guest, nay more, thy friend approved, 



For still the brave are by the brave beloved." 



****** 



Slowly, and stately o'er his form he threw 



His sable cloak, and thoughtful thence withdrew. 



The Squire's approach announced that ready wait 



His num'rous escort mounted at the gate. 



They ask his will. " For Maworth," briefly said. 



In silence onward moved the cavalcade, 



And soon around its echoing court-yard rung 



The clang of hoofs and arms, as warriors flung 



Themselves from horse. He bade his troops be drawn 



In ready order with the earliest dawn ; 



Then once again retired, but not to rest. 



Alas ! repose was not for such a breast. 



Around the faggot's cheerful blaze in swarms 



The summoned foll'wers furbish various arms. 



Or in carouse or converse wile away 



The hours which part them from the coming day, 



When hue and cry, and horn, and hound, and spear 



Must hunt to slay the outlawed Borderer. 



Far through the window, in the dusky night, 



Is seen the balefires' melancholy light : 



Apart, in groups, recounting many a tale 



Of Ranulph, some sit, mutt'ring low, and pale ; 



The bold deride the weakness which would throw 



Mystery o'er deeds themselves had power to do. 



The curicus wondering still of what none knew, 



With added surmise, proved conjecture true. 



" 'Twas strange what meant the gloom their chieftain wore, 



Why liv'd he more retired than heretofore ? 



His halls were silent, and but seldom guest 



Partook of cheer his coldness slightly press'd : 



