30 MORFE FOREST. 



cleaves tlie sandy soil, the wild-boar roamed at will ; 

 where fat kine feed in pastures green, stout oaks 

 grew, and red-deer leaped ; where the Albrighton 

 red-coats with yelping hounds now meet, the ring- 

 ing laugh of lords and ladies, of bishops and their 

 clergy, hunting higher game, was heard. Then, as 

 good old Scott has said, — 



" In the lofty arched hall 

 Was s^Dread the gorgeous festival, 

 Then rose the riot and the din 

 Above, beneath, without, within, 

 For from its lofty balcony, 

 Eang trumpet, shawm and psaltery. 

 Their clanging bowls old warriors quaff'd, 

 Loudly they spoke and loudly laugh'd, 

 Whisper' d young knights in tones more mild, 

 To ladies fair, and ladies smiled. 

 The hooded hawks, high perch'd on beam. 

 The clamour join'd with whistling scream, 

 And flapped their wings and shook their bells. 

 In concert with the stag-hounds' yells." 



