ROMANCE OF BRITOMARTE 



Who called it a fortress — yet 'tis true, 

 It had been indifferently fortified — 



We were well provided with bolt and bar — 

 And while I hurried to place our men, 



Old Miles was call'd to a council of war, 

 With Mistress Ruth and with her^ and 

 when 



They had argued loudly and long, those three, 



They sent, as a last resource, for me. 



In the chair of state sat erect Dame Ruth ; 



She had cast aside her embroidery : 

 She had been a beauty, they say, in her youth, 



There was much fierce fire in her bold black 

 eye. 

 ** Am I deceived in you both ? " quoth she. 



"If one spark of her father's spirit lives 

 In this girl here — so, this Leigh, Ralph Leigh, 



Let us hear what counsel the springald 

 gives." 

 Then I stammer'd, somewhat taken aback — 

 (Simon, you ale-swiller, pass the "jack"). 



The dame wax'd hotter — ''' Speak out, lad, say 



Must we fall in that canting caitiff's power ? 



265 



