110 THE SPECTATOR. 



Stirring the heart of chivalry — the voice 



Of enterprize and exhortation flung 



From serf and mailed retainer, as they stood 



Ready to brave the fortunes of Cuttayle. 



— And in these halls the harper's olden tune 



Gladdened full oft the dreary winter's night 



When graceful Beauty and exalted Birth 



Joined in the choral train, and gallant youth 



Trode a light measure with his ladye-love; 



Then there were smiles and timid eyes dispensed 



Such fascinating language as the fond 



Prize beyond sweetest sounds, and gentle hands 



Met in a thrilling pressure, words were told 



Of deep — devoted love, and hearts were twined 



In sweetest sympathies. 



Alas ! for them 

 The golden dreams of Love — Ambition's lure — 

 The extacy of Conquest — all that shone 

 Over the heart with light, or flung a shroud 

 Of sadness round it, rests for ever dead 1 

 And we, who ponder over ancient fame 

 In the warm flush of vigour and delight, 

 Know not how soon the spring of life may cease — 

 The " silver cord be loosened" — which unites 

 Our sympathies to all the sentient world. 

 And links our fondest feelings with the forms 

 Of Nature's grandeur, bloom and loveliness. 



Franz- 



THE SPECTATOR, No. IV. 



BARNSTAPLE, BIDEFORD, AND TORRINGTON 



INSTITUTIONS, FOR 



PROMOTING GENERAL KNOWLEDGE. 



The Barnstaple Institution is the oldest of the three, 

 and was established in the year 1830. The members, 

 at present, amount to about 130 ; their income during 

 the past year, including a donation of five pounds each 

 from Mr. Chichester and Major Fancourt, the repre- 



