224 fy <auecn'$ (Safe. 



tree, for that Edward seemed to prefer that their inter- 

 views should take place where he had first seen and loved 

 the beautiful Elizabeth. History relates that the espousals 

 were privately solemnised early in the morning of the 

 first of May 1464, at the town of Grafton, near Stony 

 Stratford. None were present excepting the Duchess of 

 Bedford, the priest, and two gentlewomen, with a young 

 man, who assisted in singing. The priest who wedded 

 them lies buried before the altar, in the church of the 

 Minoresses at London-bridge.* 



O what a mingled throng are passing now, 



As in a mirror, which time seems to hold 



For men to gaze in ! Actors in all scenes, 



Mingled, and yet distinct, with names on each, 



Given by Him who sent them forth to bless 



Their homes or kindred dwelling where they may. 



Kings, with their crowned heads, and he who serves 



The anxious tradesman, and the gentle one 



Who walks with peace, looking on meads and streams 



Loving the sound of whispering winds at eve, 



Of warbling birds, and prattling streams that gush 



'Mid flowers and ferns, and green hills meeting round ; 



For such are seen, e'en near the deadly fray 



Of battle fields, where meet the sire and son. 



The Red-rose conquering now and then the Pale ; 



And he, who skulks in forest haunt, or cave 



When morning dawns, walks as a chief at eve. 



Look, then, at the strange eventful scenes in the life 

 of Elizabeth Woodville, as they pass before the mental 



* Fragment Chronicle, printed by Heane, at the end of the Sprott. 

 Chronicle. 



