38 T.EONARD WHEATCROFT, OF ASHOVKK. 



Now ' Noll ' has won the day 

 Let's all lie gone, every one; 

 Run y' way '. Run 3'our way ! 



Ffinis, by an honest Cavallier. " 



If we may make an inference from Leonard's earlier composi- 

 tions, it would seem that his first affections were rather widely 

 distributed. On this account, doubtless, some wholesome 

 restraint was deemed necessary by his parents, and his rambles 

 were restricted. On page 45 of his " Art of Poetry" he writes : — 

 "These ten verses following was the Song in the prayes of my 

 Chosen mistris.* The reason why I made it was because I was 

 held in, and wanted liberty, but still I held out my pure love 



" ' To none but Frances, whose pure glances 

 Was the centre of my heart.' 



" And the reason why I made this was because her father 

 chid her, whereby she was forced to sparr the dore on niee. I had 

 also some lines sent me by a friend of some condition persuading 

 me from her : — 



" ' Sometimes I walk into the fieldes 



My love for to restraine ; 

 But that to me small comfort yields. 



For all is still in vaine : 

 The merry birds their tunes leave off 



To lend an eare to mee ' 

 Which am opprest, and cannot rest 



For want of liberty. 



" ' Fm loth to end these verses few 



Because I do love thee : 

 I will not say to thee adieu, 



Tho' thou unconstant lie. 

 My love to thee is ever pure, 



Sweet Franke, I tell to thee, 

 And shall for evermore endure. 



But, - I want liberty.' 



Written at Ashover, hy ;iiee, Leonard ll'heatcrojt.'' 



* Frances Symyth, of Higham in Shirland, 



