36 SALMON FISHING IN CANADA. 



And then in the cellar they stowed the tun, 



Whose staves were made out of a huge oak-tree ; 



And lastly, the brewage, when 't was done, 

 "Was blest by the Abbot of Swigglesea. 



Sir Joram a Burton then farewell 



Bade unto Dame Ellen, his lady dear ; 

 " Seven years and a day," he said, " sweet Nell, 

 Now keep me, I charge thee, that tun of beer. 



" Seven years and a day, good lady mine, 

 Now keep that barrel of ale," quoth he ; 



" If then I return not from Palestine 



Be certain that there is an end of me." 



Away then Sir Joram a Burton sped 



With target and battle-axe, lance and brand ; 



And he broke full many a Saracen's head, 

 Crusading afar in the Paynim land. 



The mitred Abbot of Swigglesea 



Came often the heart of the Dame to cheer ; 

 And ever before he went, said he, 

 " I hope it's all right with that same beer." 



Now after six years had ta r en their flight 

 111 tidings there came from beyond the main, 



That good Sir Joram a Burton, knight, 

 In battle had been by the Paynim slain. 



The Abbot of Swigglesea came o'er, 



Some comfort to speak in Dame Ellen's ear : 

 " Good lady," quoth he, " come weep no more : 



And now, then, as touching that self-same beer ? 



. " Bestow us that liquor, lady fair, 



Bestow it on Swigglesea's good Abbaye, 

 In payment whereof each holy frere 



Will sing for Sir Joram his soul for aye." 



