RIPPLING WATER 



And I may be foolish as well as blind, 

 But take my blessing whether or no." 



Dame Martha's wise, though her hair is white, 

 Her sense is good, though her sight is 

 gone — 



Can she really be gifted with second sight ? 

 (The rippling water murmurs on.) 



Brian of Hawksmede came to our cot, 



(The rippling water murmurs by), 

 Scatter'd the sods of our garden plot. 



Riding his roan horse recklessly ; 

 Trinket and token and tress of hair, 

 He flung them down at the door-step there. 

 Said, " Elsie! ask your lord, if you dare. 



Who gave him the blow as well as the lie." 

 That evening I mentioned Brian's name, 



And Marmaduke's face grewwhite and wan. 

 Am I pledged to one of a spirit so tame ? 



(The rippling water murmurs on.) 



Brian is headstrong, rash, and vain, 



(The rippling water murmurs still), 



Stephen is somewhat duller of brain, 



Slower of speech, and milder of will ; 



71 



