THE LOVERS' QUARREL 



'Mid the many who moved in that bustle and stir, 

 There was one, one whose heart lay a-bleeding for 



her ; 

 One who thought, tho' as yet he approach'd not her 



side. 

 With what care, if need were, he would guard her 



and guide. 



To and fro waves the gorse as the hounds are 



thrown in, 

 'Tis a fox, and glad voices the chorus begin ; 

 That maiden's keen eye, o'er the crest of her bay. 

 Was the first to detect him when stealing away. 



As she shot through the crowd at the covert-side 



gate, 

 " 'Tis the same gallant fox that outstripp'd us of 



late ; 

 The darling old fox ! " she exclaimed, with delight, 

 Then away like a dart to o'ertake the first flight. 



Tho' he took the old line, the old pace was surpass'd 

 (He will own a good steed, he who lives to the 



last), 

 Her own she press'd on without fear, for she knew 

 She was mounted on one that would carry her 



through. 



She had kept her own place with a feeling of pride. 

 When her ear caught the voice of a youth along- 

 side, 

 " There's a fence on ahead that no lady should face. 

 Turn aside to the left — I will show you the place." 



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