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209
THE HERMIT OF WARKWORTH, A NORTHUMBERLAND BALLAD.
CANTO I.
Dark was the night, and wild the storm,
And loud the torrent's roar;
And loud the sea was heard to dash
Against the distant shore.
And loud the torrent's roar;
And loud the sea was heard to dash
Against the distant shore.
Musing on man's weak, hapless state,
The lonely Hermit lay;
When, lo! he heard a female voice
Lament in sore dismay.
The lonely Hermit lay;
When, lo! he heard a female voice
Lament in sore dismay.
With hospitable haste he rose,
And waked his sleeping fire;
And snatching up a lighted brand,
Forth hied the reverend sire.
And waked his sleeping fire;
And snatching up a lighted brand,
Forth hied the reverend sire.
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All sad beneath a neighbouring tree
A beauteous maid he found,
Who beat her breast, and with her tears
Bedewed the mossy ground.
A beauteous maid he found,
Who beat her breast, and with her tears
Bedewed the mossy ground.
“O weep not, lady, weep not so,
Nor let vain fears alarm;
My little cell shall shelter thee,
And keep thee safe from harm.”
Nor let vain fears alarm;
My little cell shall shelter thee,
And keep thee safe from harm.”
“It is not for myself I weep,
Nor for myself I fear;
But for my dear and only friend,
Who lately left me here:
Nor for myself I fear;
But for my dear and only friend,
Who lately left me here:
“And while some sheltering bower he sought
Within this lonely wood,
Ah! sore I fear his wandering feet
Have slipt in yonder flood.”
Within this lonely wood,
Ah! sore I fear his wandering feet
Have slipt in yonder flood.”
“O! trust in Heaven,” the Hermit said,
“And to my cell repair;
Doubt not but I shall find thy friend,
And ease thee of thy care.”
“And to my cell repair;
Doubt not but I shall find thy friend,
And ease thee of thy care.”
Then climbing up his rocky stairs,
He scales the cliff so high;
And calls aloud, and waves his light,
To guide the stranger's eye.
He scales the cliff so high;
And calls aloud, and waves his light,
To guide the stranger's eye.
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Among the thickets long he winds,
With careful steps and slow:
At length a voice returned his call,
Quick answering from below:
With careful steps and slow:
At length a voice returned his call,
Quick answering from below:
“O tell me, father, tell me true,
If you have chanced to see
A gentle maid, I lately left
Beneath some neighbouring tree:
If you have chanced to see
A gentle maid, I lately left
Beneath some neighbouring tree:
“But either I have lost the place,
Or she hath gone astray;
And much I fear this fatal stream
Hath snatched her hence away.”
Or she hath gone astray;
And much I fear this fatal stream
Hath snatched her hence away.”
“Praise Heaven, my son,” the Hermit said;
“The lady 's safe and well;”
And soon he joined the wandering youth,
And brought him to his cell.
“The lady 's safe and well;”
And soon he joined the wandering youth,
And brought him to his cell.
Then well was seen, these gentle friends
They loved each other dear:
The youth he pressed her to his heart;
The maid let fall a tear.
They loved each other dear:
The youth he pressed her to his heart;
The maid let fall a tear.
Ah! seldom had their host, I ween,
Beheld so sweet a pair:
The youth was tall, with manly bloom;
She, slender, soft, and fair.
Beheld so sweet a pair:
The youth was tall, with manly bloom;
She, slender, soft, and fair.
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The youth was clad in forest green,
With bugle-horn so bright:
She in a silken robe and scarf,
Snatched up in hasty flight.
With bugle-horn so bright:
She in a silken robe and scarf,
Snatched up in hasty flight.
“Sit down, my children.” says the Sage;
“Sweet rest your limbs require;”
Then heaps fresh fuel on the hearth,
And mends his little fire.
“Sweet rest your limbs require;”
Then heaps fresh fuel on the hearth,
And mends his little fire.
“Partake,” he said, “my simple store,
Dried fruits, and milk, and curds;”
And spreading all upon the board,
Invites with kindly words.
Dried fruits, and milk, and curds;”
And spreading all upon the board,
Invites with kindly words.
“Thanks, father, for thy bounteous fare,”
The youthful couple say:
Then freely ate, and made good cheer,
And talked their cares away.
The youthful couple say:
Then freely ate, and made good cheer,
And talked their cares away.
“Now, say, my children, (for perchance
My counsel may avail,)
What strange adventure brought you here,
Within this lonely dale?”
My counsel may avail,)
What strange adventure brought you here,
Within this lonely dale?”
“First tell me, father,” said the youth,
“(Nor blame mine eager tongue,)
What town is near? What lands are these?
And to what lord belong?”
“(Nor blame mine eager tongue,)
What town is near? What lands are these?
And to what lord belong?”
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“Alas! my son,” the Hermit said,
“Why do I live to say,
The rightful lord of these domains
Is banished far away?
“Why do I live to say,
The rightful lord of these domains
Is banished far away?
“Ten winters now have shed their snows
On this my lowly hall,
Since valiant Hotspur (so the North
Our youthful lord did call)
On this my lowly hall,
Since valiant Hotspur (so the North
Our youthful lord did call)
“Against Fourth Henry Bolingbroke
Led up his northern powers,
And, stoutly fighting, lost his life
Near proud Salopia's towers.
Led up his northern powers,
And, stoutly fighting, lost his life
Near proud Salopia's towers.
“One son he left, a lovely boy,
His country's hope and heir;
And, oh! to save him from his foes
It was his grandsire's care,
His country's hope and heir;
And, oh! to save him from his foes
It was his grandsire's care,
“In Scotland safe he placed the child
Beyond the reach of strife,
Nor long before the brave old Earl
At Bramham lost his life.
Beyond the reach of strife,
Nor long before the brave old Earl
At Bramham lost his life.
“And now the Percy name, so long
Our northern pride and boast,
Lies hid, alas! beneath a cloud;
Their honors reft and lost.
Our northern pride and boast,
Lies hid, alas! beneath a cloud;
Their honors reft and lost.
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“No chieftain of that noble house
Now leads our youth to arms;
The bordering Scots despoil our fields,
And ravage all our farms.
Now leads our youth to arms;
The bordering Scots despoil our fields,
And ravage all our farms.
“Their halls and castles, once so fair,
Now moulder in decay;
Proud strangers now usurp their lands,
And bear their wealth away.
Now moulder in decay;
Proud strangers now usurp their lands,
And bear their wealth away.
“Nor far from hence, where yon full stream
Runs winding down the lea,
Fair Warkworth lifts her lofty towers,
And overlooks the sea.
Runs winding down the lea,
Fair Warkworth lifts her lofty towers,
And overlooks the sea.
“Those towers, alas! now stand forlorn,
With noisome weeds o'erspread,
Where feasted lords and courtly dames,
And where the poor were fed.
With noisome weeds o'erspread,
Where feasted lords and courtly dames,
And where the poor were fed.
“Meantime, far off, 'mid Scottish hills,
The Percy lives unknown;
On strangers' bounty he depends,
And may not claim his own.
The Percy lives unknown;
On strangers' bounty he depends,
And may not claim his own.
“O might I with these aged eyes
But live to see him here,
Then should my soul depart in bliss!”
He said, and dropt a tear.
But live to see him here,
Then should my soul depart in bliss!”
He said, and dropt a tear.
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“And is the Percy still so loved
Of all his friends and thee?
Then bless me, father,” said the youth,
“For I, thy guest, am he.”
Of all his friends and thee?
Then bless me, father,” said the youth,
“For I, thy guest, am he.”
Silent he gazed, then turned aside
To wipe the tears he shed;
And lifting up his hands and eyes,
Poured blessings on his head:
To wipe the tears he shed;
And lifting up his hands and eyes,
Poured blessings on his head:
“Welcome, our dear and much-loved lord,
Thy country's hope and care:—
But who may this young lady be,
That is so wondrous fair?”
Thy country's hope and care:—
But who may this young lady be,
That is so wondrous fair?”
“Now, father, listen to my tale,
And thou shalt know the truth:
And let thy sage advice direct
My unexperienced youth.
And thou shalt know the truth:
And let thy sage advice direct
My unexperienced youth.
“In Scotland I 've been nobly bred,
Beneath the Regent's hand,
In feats of arms, and every lore,
To fit me for command.
Beneath the Regent's hand,
In feats of arms, and every lore,
To fit me for command.
“With fond impatience long I burned
My native land to see:
At length I won my guardian friend,
To yield that boon to me.
My native land to see:
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To yield that boon to me.
“Then up and down, in hunter's garb,
I wandered as in chase,
Till in the noble Neville's house
I gained a hunter's place.
I wandered as in chase,
Till in the noble Neville's house
I gained a hunter's place.
“Some time I lived with him unknown,
Till I'd the hap so rare,
To please this young and gentle dame,
That Baron's daughter fair.”
Till I'd the hap so rare,
To please this young and gentle dame,
That Baron's daughter fair.”
“Now, Percy,” said the blushing maid,
“The truth I must reveal;
Souls great and generous, like to thine,
Their noble deeds conceal.
“The truth I must reveal;
Souls great and generous, like to thine,
Their noble deeds conceal.
“It happened on a summer's day,
Led by the fragrant breeze,
I wandered forth to take the air
Among the green-wood trees.
Led by the fragrant breeze,
I wandered forth to take the air
Among the green-wood trees.
“Sudden a band of rugged Scots,
That near in ambush lay,
Moss-troopers from the border-side,
There seized me for their prey.
That near in ambush lay,
Moss-troopers from the border-side,
There seized me for their prey.
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“My shrieks had all been spent in vain,
But Heaven, that saw my grief,
Brought this brave youth within my call,
Who flew to my relief.
But Heaven, that saw my grief,
Brought this brave youth within my call,
Who flew to my relief.
“With nothing but his hunting-spear
And dagger in his hand,
He sprung like lightning on my foes,
And caused them soon to stand.
And dagger in his hand,
He sprung like lightning on my foes,
And caused them soon to stand.
“He fought, till more assistance came;
The Scots were overthrown;
Thus freed me, captive, from their bands,
To make me more his own.”
The Scots were overthrown;
Thus freed me, captive, from their bands,
To make me more his own.”
“O, happy day!” the youth replied:
“Blest were the wounds I bare!
From that fond hour she deigned to smile,
And listen to my prayer.
“Blest were the wounds I bare!
From that fond hour she deigned to smile,
And listen to my prayer.
“And when she knew my name and birth,
She vowed to be my bride;
But oh! we feared (alas, the while!)
Her princely mother's pride:
She vowed to be my bride;
But oh! we feared (alas, the while!)
Her princely mother's pride:
“Sister of haughty Bolingbroke,
Our house's ancient foe,
To me, I thought, a banished wight,
Could ne'er such favor show.
Our house's ancient foe,
To me, I thought, a banished wight,
Could ne'er such favor show.
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“Despairing then to gain consent,
At length to fly with me
I won this lovely, timorous maid;
To Scotland bound are we.
At length to fly with me
I won this lovely, timorous maid;
To Scotland bound are we.
“This evening, as the night drew on,
Fearing we were pursued,
We turned adown the right-hand path,
And gained this lonely wood:
Fearing we were pursued,
We turned adown the right-hand path,
And gained this lonely wood:
“Then lighting from our weary steeds
To shun the pelting shower,
We met thy kind conducting hand,
And reached this friendly bower.”
To shun the pelting shower,
We met thy kind conducting hand,
And reached this friendly bower.”
“Now rest ye both,” the Hermit said;
“Awhile your cares forego;
Nor, lady, scorn my humble bed;
—We'll pass the night below.”
“Awhile your cares forego;
Nor, lady, scorn my humble bed;
—We'll pass the night below.”
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CANTO II.
Lovely smiled the blushing morn,
And every storm was fled;
But lovelier far, with sweeter smile,
Fair Eleanor left her bed.
And every storm was fled;
But lovelier far, with sweeter smile,
Fair Eleanor left her bed.
She found her Henry all alone,
And cheered him with her sight:
The youth consulting with his friend
Had watched the livelong night.
And cheered him with her sight:
The youth consulting with his friend
Had watched the livelong night.
What sweet surprise o'erpowered her breast!
Her cheek what blushes dyed,
When fondly he besought her there
To yield to be his bride!—
Her cheek what blushes dyed,
When fondly he besought her there
To yield to be his bride!—
“Within this lonely hermitage
There is a chapel meet;
Then grant, dear maid, my fond request,
And make my bliss complete.”
There is a chapel meet;
Then grant, dear maid, my fond request,
And make my bliss complete.”
“O Henry, when thou deign'st to sue,
Can I thy suit withstand?
When thou, loved youth, hast won my heart,
Can I refuse my hand?
Can I thy suit withstand?
When thou, loved youth, hast won my heart,
Can I refuse my hand?
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“For thee I left a father's smiles,
And mother's tender care;
And, whether weal or woe betide,
Thy lot I mean to share.”
And mother's tender care;
And, whether weal or woe betide,
Thy lot I mean to share.”
“And wilt thou, then, O generous maid!
Such matchless favor show,
To share with me, a banished wight,
My peril, pain, or woe?
Such matchless favor show,
To share with me, a banished wight,
My peril, pain, or woe?
“Now Heaven, I trust, hath joys in store
To crown thy constant breast;
For, know, fond hope assures my heart
That we shall soon be blest.
To crown thy constant breast;
For, know, fond hope assures my heart
That we shall soon be blest.
“Not far from hence stands Coquet Isle,
Surrounded by the sea;
There dwells a holy friar, well known
To all thy friends and thee:
Surrounded by the sea;
There dwells a holy friar, well known
To all thy friends and thee:
“'T is father Bernard, so revered
For every worthy deed;
To Raby Castle he shall go,
And for us kindly plead.
For every worthy deed;
To Raby Castle he shall go,
And for us kindly plead.
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“To fetch this good and holy man
Our reverend host is gone;
And soon, I trust, his pious hands
Will join us both in one.”
Our reverend host is gone;
And soon, I trust, his pious hands
Will join us both in one.”
Thus they in sweet and tender talk
The lingering hours beguile:
At length they see the hoary sage
Come from the neighbouring isle.
The lingering hours beguile:
At length they see the hoary sage
Come from the neighbouring isle.
With pious joy and wonder mixed
He greets the noble pair,
And glad consents to join their hands
With many a fervent prayer.
He greets the noble pair,
And glad consents to join their hands
With many a fervent prayer.
Then straight to Raby's distant walls
He kindly wends his way;
Meantime in love and dalliance sweet
They spend the livelong day.
He kindly wends his way;
Meantime in love and dalliance sweet
They spend the livelong day.
And now, attended by their host,
The Hermitage they viewed,
Deep-hewn within a craggy cliff,
And overhung with wood.
The Hermitage they viewed,
Deep-hewn within a craggy cliff,
And overhung with wood.
And, near, a flight of shapely steps,
All cut with nicest skill,
And piercing through a stony arch,
Ran winding up the hill.
All cut with nicest skill,
And piercing through a stony arch,
Ran winding up the hill.
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There, decked with many a flower and herb,
His little garden stands;
With fruitful trees, in shady rows,
All planted by his hands.
His little garden stands;
With fruitful trees, in shady rows,
All planted by his hands.
Then, scooped within the solid rock,
Three sacred vaults he shows:
The chief a chapel, neatly arched,
On branching columns rose.
Three sacred vaults he shows:
The chief a chapel, neatly arched,
On branching columns rose.
Each proper ornament was there
That should a chapel grace;
The lattice for confession framed,
And Holy-water vase.
That should a chapel grace;
The lattice for confession framed,
And Holy-water vase.
O'er either door a sacred text
Invites to godly fear;
And in a little scutcheon hung
The cross, and crown, and spear.
Invites to godly fear;
And in a little scutcheon hung
The cross, and crown, and spear.
Up to the altar's ample breadth
Two easy steps ascend;
And, near, a glimmering, solemn light
Two well-wrought windows lend.
Two easy steps ascend;
And, near, a glimmering, solemn light
Two well-wrought windows lend.
Beside the altar rose a tomb
All in the living stone;
On which a young and beauteous maid
In goodly sculpture shone.
All in the living stone;
On which a young and beauteous maid
In goodly sculpture shone.
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A kneeling angel, fairly carved,
Leaned hovering o'er her breast:
A weeping warrior at her feet:
And near to these her crest.
Leaned hovering o'er her breast:
A weeping warrior at her feet:
And near to these her crest.
The cliff, the vault, but chief the tomb,
Attract the wondering pair:
Eager they ask, what hapless dame
Lies sculptured here so fair.
Attract the wondering pair:
Eager they ask, what hapless dame
Lies sculptured here so fair.
The Hermit sighed, the Hermit wept,
For sorrow scarce could speak:
At length he wiped the trickling tears
That all bedewed his cheek:
For sorrow scarce could speak:
At length he wiped the trickling tears
That all bedewed his cheek:
“Alas! my children, human life
Is but a vale of woe;
And very mournful is the tale
Which ye so fain would know.”.
Is but a vale of woe;
And very mournful is the tale
Which ye so fain would know.”.
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THE HERMIT'S TALE.
“Young lord, thy grandsire had a friendIn days of youthful fame;
Yon distant hills were his domains,
Sir Bertram was his name.
“Where'er the noble Percy fought,
His friend was at his side;
And many a skirmish with the Scots
Their early valor tried.
His friend was at his side;
And many a skirmish with the Scots
Their early valor tried.
“Young Bertram loved a beauteous maid,
As fair as fair might be;
The dewdrop on the lily's cheek
Was not so fair as she.
As fair as fair might be;
The dewdrop on the lily's cheek
Was not so fair as she.
“Fair Widdrington the maiden's name,
Yon towers her dwelling-place;
Her sire an old Northumbrian chief,
Devoted to thy race.
Yon towers her dwelling-place;
Her sire an old Northumbrian chief,
Devoted to thy race.
“Many a lord and many a knight
To this fair damsel came;
But Bertram was her only choice;
For him she felt a flame.
To this fair damsel came;
But Bertram was her only choice;
For him she felt a flame.
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“Lord Percy pleaded for his friend,
Her father soon consents;
None but the beauteous maid herself
His wishes now prevents.
Her father soon consents;
None but the beauteous maid herself
His wishes now prevents.
“But she with studied, fond delays
Defers the blissful hour;
And loves to try his constancy,
And prove her maiden power.
Defers the blissful hour;
And loves to try his constancy,
And prove her maiden power.
“‘That heart,’ she said, ‘is lightly prized,
Which is too lightly won;
And long shall rue that easy maid,
Who yields her love too soon.’
Which is too lightly won;
And long shall rue that easy maid,
Who yields her love too soon.’
“Lord Percy made a solemn feast
In Alnwick's princely hall;
And there came lords, and there came knights,
His Chiefs and Barons all.
In Alnwick's princely hall;
And there came lords, and there came knights,
His Chiefs and Barons all.
“With wassel, mirth, and revelry,
The Castle rung around;
Lord Percy called for song and harp,
And pipes of martial sound.
The Castle rung around;
Lord Percy called for song and harp,
And pipes of martial sound.
“The minstrels of thy noble house,
All clad in robes of blue,
With silver crescents on their arms,
Attend in order due.
All clad in robes of blue,
With silver crescents on their arms,
Attend in order due.
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“The great achievements of thy race
They sung: their high command:
How valiant Mainfred o'er the seas
First led his northern band.
They sung: their high command:
How valiant Mainfred o'er the seas
First led his northern band.
“Brave Galfred next to Normandy
With venturous Rollo came;
And, from his Norman Castles won,
Assumed the Percy name.
With venturous Rollo came;
And, from his Norman Castles won,
Assumed the Percy name.
“They sung how, in the Conqueror's fleet,
Lord William shipped his powers,
And gained a fair young Saxon bride,
With all her lands and towers.
Lord William shipped his powers,
And gained a fair young Saxon bride,
With all her lands and towers.
“Then journeying to the Holy Land,
There bravely fought and died:
But first the silver Crescent won,
Some Paynim Soldan's pride.
There bravely fought and died:
But first the silver Crescent won,
Some Paynim Soldan's pride.
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“They sung how Agnes, beauteous heir,
The Queen's own brother wed,
Lord Josceline, sprung from Charlemagne,
In princely Brabant bred.
The Queen's own brother wed,
Lord Josceline, sprung from Charlemagne,
In princely Brabant bred.
“How he the Percy name revived,
And how his noble line,
Still foremost in their country's cause,
With godlike ardor shine.
And how his noble line,
Still foremost in their country's cause,
With godlike ardor shine.
“With loud acclaims the listening crowd
Applaud the master's song,
And deeds of arms and war became
The theme of every tongue.
Applaud the master's song,
And deeds of arms and war became
The theme of every tongue.
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“Now high heroic acts they tell,
Their perils past recall:
When lo! a damsel young and fair
Stepped forward through the hall.
Their perils past recall:
When lo! a damsel young and fair
Stepped forward through the hall.
“She Bertram courteously addressed;
And kneeling on her knee;—
‘Sir Knight, the Lady of thy love
Hath sent this gift to thee.’
And kneeling on her knee;—
‘Sir Knight, the Lady of thy love
Hath sent this gift to thee.’
“Then forth she drew a glittering helm
Well-plated many a fold,
The casque was wrought of tempered steel,
The crest of burnished gold.
Well-plated many a fold,
The casque was wrought of tempered steel,
The crest of burnished gold.
“‘Sir Knight, thy Lady sends thee this,
And yields to be thy bride,
When thou hast proved this maiden gift
Where sharpest blows are tried.’
And yields to be thy bride,
When thou hast proved this maiden gift
Where sharpest blows are tried.’
“Young Bertram took the shining helm,
And thrice he kissed the same;
‘Trust me, I'll prove this precious casque
With deeds of noblest fame.’
And thrice he kissed the same;
‘Trust me, I'll prove this precious casque
With deeds of noblest fame.’
“Lord Percy, and his Barons bold,
Then fix upon a day
To scour the marches, late oppressed,
And Scottish wrongs repay.
Then fix upon a day
To scour the marches, late oppressed,
And Scottish wrongs repay.
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“The knights assembled on the hills,
A thousand horse and more;
Brave Widdrington, though sunk in years,
The Percy standard bore.
A thousand horse and more;
Brave Widdrington, though sunk in years,
The Percy standard bore.
“Tweed's limpid current soon they pass,
And range the borders round:
Down the green slopes of Tiviotdale
Their bugle-horns resound.
And range the borders round:
Down the green slopes of Tiviotdale
Their bugle-horns resound.
“As when a lion in his den
Hath heard the hunters' cries,
And rushes forth to meet his foes,
So did the Douglas rise.
Hath heard the hunters' cries,
And rushes forth to meet his foes,
So did the Douglas rise.
“Attendant on their Chief's command
A thousand warriors wait:
And now the fatal hour drew on
Of cruel, keen debate.
A thousand warriors wait:
And now the fatal hour drew on
Of cruel, keen debate.
“A chosen troop of Scottish youths
Advance before the rest;
Lord Percy marked their gallant mien,
And thus his friend addressed:
Advance before the rest;
Lord Percy marked their gallant mien,
And thus his friend addressed:
“‘Now, Bertram, prove thy Lady's helm,
Attack yon forward band;
Dead or alive I'll rescue thee,
Or perish by their hand.’
Attack yon forward band;
Dead or alive I'll rescue thee,
Or perish by their hand.’
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“Young Bertram bowed, with glad assent,
And spurred his eager steed,
And, calling on his Lady's name,
Rushed forth with whirlwind speed.
And spurred his eager steed,
And, calling on his Lady's name,
Rushed forth with whirlwind speed.
“As when a grove of sapling oaks
The livid lightning rends;
So fiercely 'mid opposing ranks
Sir Bertram's sword descends.
The livid lightning rends;
So fiercely 'mid opposing ranks
Sir Bertram's sword descends.
“This way and that he drives the steel,
And keenly pierces through;
And many a tall and comely knight
With furious force he slew.
And keenly pierces through;
And many a tall and comely knight
With furious force he slew.
“Now closing fast on every side,
They hem Sir Bertram round:
But dauntless he repels their rage,
And deals forth many a wound.
They hem Sir Bertram round:
But dauntless he repels their rage,
And deals forth many a wound.
“The vigor of his single arm
Had well-nigh won the field;
When pond'rous fell a Scottish axe,
And clave his lifted shield.
Had well-nigh won the field;
When pond'rous fell a Scottish axe,
And clave his lifted shield.
“Another blow his temples took,
And reft his helm in twain;
That beauteous helm, his Lady's gift!
—His blood bedewed the plain.
And reft his helm in twain;
That beauteous helm, his Lady's gift!
—His blood bedewed the plain.
231
“Lord Percy saw his champion fall,
Amid the unequal fight;
‘And now, my noble friends, he said,
Let 's save this gallant knight.’
Amid the unequal fight;
‘And now, my noble friends, he said,
Let 's save this gallant knight.’
“Then rushing in, with stretched-out shield
He o'er the warrior hung:
As some fierce eagle spreads her wing
To guard her callow young.
He o'er the warrior hung:
As some fierce eagle spreads her wing
To guard her callow young.
“Three times they strove to seize their prey,
Three times they quick retire:
What force could stand his furious strokes,
Or meet his martial fire?
Three times they quick retire:
What force could stand his furious strokes,
Or meet his martial fire?
“Now gathering round on every part
The battle raged amain;
And many a Lady wept her Lord,
That hour untimely slain.
The battle raged amain;
And many a Lady wept her Lord,
That hour untimely slain.
“Percy and Douglas, great in arms,
There all their courage showed;
And all the field was strewed with dead,
And all with crimson flowed.
There all their courage showed;
And all the field was strewed with dead,
And all with crimson flowed.
“At length the glory of the day
The Scots reluctant yield,
And, after wond'rous valor shown,
They slowly quit the field.
The Scots reluctant yield,
And, after wond'rous valor shown,
They slowly quit the field.
232
“All pale, extended on their shields,
And weltering in his gore,
Lord Percy's knights their bleeding friend
To Wark's fair Castle bore.
And weltering in his gore,
Lord Percy's knights their bleeding friend
To Wark's fair Castle bore.
“‘Well hast thou earned my daughter's love,’
Her father kindly said;
‘And she herself shall dress thy wounds,
And tend thee in thy bed.’
Her father kindly said;
‘And she herself shall dress thy wounds,
And tend thee in thy bed.’
“A message went, no daughter came;
Fair Isabel ne'er appears:
‘Beshrew me,’ said the aged chief,
‘Young maidens have their fears.
Fair Isabel ne'er appears:
‘Beshrew me,’ said the aged chief,
‘Young maidens have their fears.
“‘Cheer up, my son, thou shalt her see
So soon as thou canst ride;
And she shall nurse thee in her bower,
And she shall be thy bride.’
So soon as thou canst ride;
And she shall nurse thee in her bower,
And she shall be thy bride.’
“Sir Bertram at her name revived,
He blessed the soothing sound;
Fond hope supplied the nurse's care,
And healed his ghastly wound.
He blessed the soothing sound;
Fond hope supplied the nurse's care,
And healed his ghastly wound.
233
CANTO III.
“One early morn, while dewy drops
Hung trembling on the tree,
Sir Bertram from his sick-bed rose,
His bride he would go see.
Hung trembling on the tree,
Sir Bertram from his sick-bed rose,
His bride he would go see.
“A brother he had, in prime of youth,
Of courage firm and keen;
And he would tend him on the way,
Because his wounds were green.
Of courage firm and keen;
And he would tend him on the way,
Because his wounds were green.
“All day o'er moss and moor they rode,
By many a lonely tower;
And 't was the dew-fall of the night
Ere they drew near her bower.
By many a lonely tower;
And 't was the dew-fall of the night
Ere they drew near her bower.
“Most drear and dark the Castle seemed,
That wont to shine so bright;
And long and loud Sir Bertram called,
Ere he beheld a light.
That wont to shine so bright;
And long and loud Sir Bertram called,
Ere he beheld a light.
“At length her aged nurse arose
With voice so shrill and clear:
‘What wight is this, that calls so loud,
And knocks so boldly here?’
With voice so shrill and clear:
‘What wight is this, that calls so loud,
And knocks so boldly here?’
234
“‘'T is Bertram calls, thy Lady's love,
Come from his bed of care:
All day I 've ridden o'er moor and moss
To see thy Lady fair.’
Come from his bed of care:
All day I 've ridden o'er moor and moss
To see thy Lady fair.’
“‘Now out, alas!’ she loudly shrieked,
‘Alas! how may this be?
For six long days are gone and past
Since she set out to thee.’
‘Alas! how may this be?
For six long days are gone and past
Since she set out to thee.’
“Sad terror seized Sir Bertram's heart,
And oft he deeply sighed;
When now the drawbridge was let down,
And gates set open wide.
And oft he deeply sighed;
When now the drawbridge was let down,
And gates set open wide.
“‘Six days, young knight, are past and gone
Since she set out to thee;
And sure, if no sad harm had happed,
Long since thou wouldst her see.
Since she set out to thee;
And sure, if no sad harm had happed,
Long since thou wouldst her see.
“‘For, when she heard thy grievous chance,
She tore her hair, and cried,
Alas! I 've slain the comeliest knight,
All through my folly and pride!
She tore her hair, and cried,
Alas! I 've slain the comeliest knight,
All through my folly and pride!
“‘And now to atone for my sad fault,
And his dear health regain,
I'll go myself, and nurse my love,
And soothe his bed of pain.
And his dear health regain,
I'll go myself, and nurse my love,
And soothe his bed of pain.
235
“‘Then mounted she her milk-white steed
One morn at break of day;
And two tall yeomen went with her,
To guard her on the way.’
One morn at break of day;
And two tall yeomen went with her,
To guard her on the way.’
“Sad terror smote Sir Bertram's heart,
And grief o'erwhelmed his mind:
‘Trust me,’ said he, ‘I ne'er will rest
Till I thy Lady find.’
And grief o'erwhelmed his mind:
‘Trust me,’ said he, ‘I ne'er will rest
Till I thy Lady find.’
“That night he spent in sorrow and care;
And with sad-boding heart,
Or ever the dawning of the day,
His brother and he depart.
And with sad-boding heart,
Or ever the dawning of the day,
His brother and he depart.
“‘Now, brother, we'll our ways divide,
O'er Scottish hills to range;
Do thou go north, and I'll go west;
And all our dress we'll change.
O'er Scottish hills to range;
Do thou go north, and I'll go west;
And all our dress we'll change.
“‘Some Scottish carle hath seized my love,
And bore her to his den;
And ne'er will I tread English ground
Till she is restored agen.’
And bore her to his den;
And ne'er will I tread English ground
Till she is restored agen.’
“The brothers straight their paths divide,
O'er Scottish hills to range;
And hide themselves in quaint disguise,
And oft their dress they change.
O'er Scottish hills to range;
And hide themselves in quaint disguise,
And oft their dress they change.
236
“Sir Bertram, clad in gown of gray,
Most like a palmer poor,
To halls and castles wanders round,
And begs from door to door.
Most like a palmer poor,
To halls and castles wanders round,
And begs from door to door.
“Sometimes a minstrel's garb he wears,
With pipes so sweet and shrill;
And wends to every tower and town,
O'er every dale and hill.
With pipes so sweet and shrill;
And wends to every tower and town,
O'er every dale and hill.
“One day as he sate under a thorn
All sunk in deep despair,
An aged pilgrim passed him by,
Who marked his face of care.
All sunk in deep despair,
An aged pilgrim passed him by,
Who marked his face of care.
“‘All minstrels yet that ever I saw,
Are full of game and glee;
But thou art sad and woe-begone!
I marvel whence it be!’
Are full of game and glee;
But thou art sad and woe-begone!
I marvel whence it be!’
“‘Father, I serve an aged Lord,
Whose grief afflicts my mind;
His only child is stolen away,
And fain I would her find.’
Whose grief afflicts my mind;
His only child is stolen away,
And fain I would her find.’
“‘Cheer up, my son; perchance, (he said,)
Some tidings I may bear;
For oft when human hopes have failed,
Then heavenly comfort's near.
Some tidings I may bear;
For oft when human hopes have failed,
Then heavenly comfort's near.
237
“‘Behind yon hills so steep and high,
Down in the lowly glen,
There stands a Castle fair and strong,
Far from the abode of men.
Down in the lowly glen,
There stands a Castle fair and strong,
Far from the abode of men.
“‘As late I chanced to crave an alms
About this evening hour,
Methought I heard a Lady's voice
Lamenting in the tower.
About this evening hour,
Methought I heard a Lady's voice
Lamenting in the tower.
“‘And when I asked what harm had happed,
What Lady sick there lay,
They rudely drove me from the gate,
And bade me wend away.’
What Lady sick there lay,
They rudely drove me from the gate,
And bade me wend away.’
“These tidings caught Sir Bertram's ear,
He thanked him for his tale;
And soon he hasted o'er the hills,
And soon he reached the vale.
He thanked him for his tale;
And soon he hasted o'er the hills,
And soon he reached the vale.
“Then drawing near those lonely towers,
Which stood in dale so low,
And sitting down beside the gate,
His pipes he 'gan to blow.
Which stood in dale so low,
And sitting down beside the gate,
His pipes he 'gan to blow.
“‘Sir Porter, is thy lord at home
To hear a minstrel's song?
Or may I crave a lodging here,
Without offence or wrong?’
To hear a minstrel's song?
Or may I crave a lodging here,
Without offence or wrong?’
238
“‘My lord,’ he said, ‘is not at home
To hear a minstrel's song:
And, should I lend thee lodging here,
My life would not be long.’
To hear a minstrel's song:
And, should I lend thee lodging here,
My life would not be long.’
“He played again so soft a strain,
Such power sweet sounds impart,
He won the churlish Porter's ear,
And moved his stubborn heart.
Such power sweet sounds impart,
He won the churlish Porter's ear,
And moved his stubborn heart.
“‘Minstrel, (he said,) thou play'st so sweet,
Fair entrance thou shouldst win;
But, alas, I'm sworn upon the rood
To let no stranger in.
Fair entrance thou shouldst win;
But, alas, I'm sworn upon the rood
To let no stranger in.
“‘Yet, minstrel, in yon rising cliff
Thou 'lt find a sheltering cave;
And here thou shalt my supper share,
And there thy lodging have.’
Thou 'lt find a sheltering cave;
And here thou shalt my supper share,
And there thy lodging have.’
“All day he sits beside the gate,
And pipes both loud and clear:
All night he watches round the walls,
In hopes his love to hear.
And pipes both loud and clear:
All night he watches round the walls,
In hopes his love to hear.
“The first night, as he silent watched,
All at the midnight hour,
He plainly heard his Lady's voice
Lamenting in the tower.
All at the midnight hour,
He plainly heard his Lady's voice
Lamenting in the tower.
239
“The second night the moon shone clear,
And gilt the spangled dew;
He saw his Lady through the grate,
But 't was a transient view.
And gilt the spangled dew;
He saw his Lady through the grate,
But 't was a transient view.
“The third night, wearied out, he slept
Till near the morning tide;
When, starting up, he seized his sword,
And to the Castle hied.
Till near the morning tide;
When, starting up, he seized his sword,
And to the Castle hied.
“When, lo! he saw a ladder of ropes
Depending from the wall;
And o'er the moat was newly laid
A poplar, strong and tall.
Depending from the wall;
And o'er the moat was newly laid
A poplar, strong and tall.
“And soon he saw his love descend
Wrapt in a tartan plaid;
Assisted by a sturdy youth
In Highland garb y-clad.
Wrapt in a tartan plaid;
Assisted by a sturdy youth
In Highland garb y-clad.
“Amazed, confounded at the sight,
He lay unseen and still;
And soon he saw them cross the stream,
And mount the neighbouring hill.
He lay unseen and still;
And soon he saw them cross the stream,
And mount the neighbouring hill.
“Unheard, unknown of all within,
The youthful couple fly.
But what can 'scape the lover's ken?
Or shun his piercing eye?
The youthful couple fly.
But what can 'scape the lover's ken?
Or shun his piercing eye?
240
“With silent steps he follows close
Behind the flying pair,
And saw her hang upon his arm,
With fond, familiar air.
Behind the flying pair,
And saw her hang upon his arm,
With fond, familiar air.
“‘Thanks, gentle youth,’ she often said;
‘My thanks thou well hast won:
For me what wiles hast thou contrived!
For me what dangers run!
‘My thanks thou well hast won:
For me what wiles hast thou contrived!
For me what dangers run!
“‘And ever shall my grateful heart
Thy services repay:’—
Sir Bertram could no further hear,
But cried, ‘Vile traitor, stay!
Thy services repay:’—
Sir Bertram could no further hear,
But cried, ‘Vile traitor, stay!
“‘Vile traitor, yield that lady up!’—
And quick his sword he drew.
The stranger turned in sudden rage,
And at Sir Bertram flew.
And quick his sword he drew.
The stranger turned in sudden rage,
And at Sir Bertram flew.
“With mortal hate their vigorous arms
Gave many a vengeful blow:
But Bertram's stronger hand prevailed,
And laid the stranger low.
Gave many a vengeful blow:
But Bertram's stronger hand prevailed,
And laid the stranger low.
“‘Die, traitor, die!’—A deadly thrust
Attends each furious word.
Ah! then fair Isabel knew his voice,
And rushed beneath his sword.
Attends each furious word.
Ah! then fair Isabel knew his voice,
And rushed beneath his sword.
241
“‘O stop,’ she cried, ‘O stop thy arm!
Thou dost thy brother slay!’”—
And here the Hermit paused and wept:
His tongue no more could say.
Thou dost thy brother slay!’”—
And here the Hermit paused and wept:
His tongue no more could say.
At length he cried, “Ye lovely pair,
How shall I tell the rest?
Ere I could stop my piercing sword,
It fell, and stabbed her breast.”
How shall I tell the rest?
Ere I could stop my piercing sword,
It fell, and stabbed her breast.”
“Wert thou thyself that hapless youth?
Ah! cruel! fate!” they said.
The Hermit wept, and so did they:
They sighed; he hung his head.
Ah! cruel! fate!” they said.
The Hermit wept, and so did they:
They sighed; he hung his head.
“O blind and jealous rage,” he cried,
“What evils from thee flow?”
The Hermit paused; they silent mourned:
He wept, and they were woe.
“What evils from thee flow?”
The Hermit paused; they silent mourned:
He wept, and they were woe.
“Ah! when I heard my brother's name,
And saw my Lady bleed,
I raved, I wept, I curst my arm,
That wrought the fatal deed.
And saw my Lady bleed,
I raved, I wept, I curst my arm,
That wrought the fatal deed.
“In vain I clasped her to my breast,
And closed the ghastly wound;
In vain I pressed his bleeding corpse,
And raised it from the ground.
And closed the ghastly wound;
In vain I pressed his bleeding corpse,
And raised it from the ground.
242
“My brother, alas! spake never more,
His precious life was flown.
She kindly strove to soothe my pain,
Regardless of her own.
His precious life was flown.
She kindly strove to soothe my pain,
Regardless of her own.
“‘Bertram,’ she said, ‘be comforted,
And live to think on me:
May we in heaven that union prove,
Which here was not to be!
And live to think on me:
May we in heaven that union prove,
Which here was not to be!
“‘Bertram,’ she said, ‘I still was true;
Thou only hadst my heart:
May we hereafter meet in bliss!
We now, alas! must part.
Thou only hadst my heart:
May we hereafter meet in bliss!
We now, alas! must part.
“‘For thee, I left my father's hall,
And flew to thy relief,
When, lo! near Cheviot's fatal hills,
I met a Scottish chief,
And flew to thy relief,
When, lo! near Cheviot's fatal hills,
I met a Scottish chief,
“‘Lord Malcolm's son, whose proffered love,
I had refused with scorn;
He slew my guards, and seized on me,
Upon that fatal morn:
I had refused with scorn;
He slew my guards, and seized on me,
Upon that fatal morn:
“‘And in these dreary, hated walls
He kept me close confined;
And fondly sued, and warmly pressed,
To win me to his mind.
He kept me close confined;
And fondly sued, and warmly pressed,
To win me to his mind.
243
“‘Each rising morn increased my pain,
Each night increased my fear!
When, wandering in this northern garb,
Thy brother found me here.
Each night increased my fear!
When, wandering in this northern garb,
Thy brother found me here.
“‘He quickly formed this brave design
To set me captive free;
And on the moor his horses wait,
Tied to a neighbouring tree.
To set me captive free;
And on the moor his horses wait,
Tied to a neighbouring tree.
“‘Then haste, my love, escape away,
And for thyself provide;
And sometimes fondly think on her
Who should have been thy bride!’
And for thyself provide;
And sometimes fondly think on her
Who should have been thy bride!’
“Thus pouring comfort on my soul,
Even with her latest breath,
She gave one parting, fond embrace,
And closed her eyes in death.
Even with her latest breath,
She gave one parting, fond embrace,
And closed her eyes in death.
“In wild amaze, in speechless woe,
Devoid of sense I lay:
Then sudden all in frantic mood
I meant myself to slay:
Devoid of sense I lay:
Then sudden all in frantic mood
I meant myself to slay:
“And, rising up in furious haste,
I seized the bloody brand:
A sturdy arm here interposed,
And wrenched it from my hand.
I seized the bloody brand:
244
And wrenched it from my hand.
“A crowd that from the Castle came,
Had missed their lovely ward;
And seizing me, to prison bare,
And deep in dungeon barred.
Had missed their lovely ward;
And seizing me, to prison bare,
And deep in dungeon barred.
“It chanced, that on that very morn
Their chief was prisoner ta'en:
Lord Percy had us soon exchanged,
And strove to soothe my pain.
Their chief was prisoner ta'en:
Lord Percy had us soon exchanged,
And strove to soothe my pain.
“And soon those honored, dear remains
To England were conveyed;
And there within their silent tombs,
With holy rites, were laid.
To England were conveyed;
And there within their silent tombs,
With holy rites, were laid.
“For me, I loathed my wretched life,
And oft to end it sought;
Till time, and thought, and holy men
Had better counsels taught.
And oft to end it sought;
Till time, and thought, and holy men
Had better counsels taught.
“They raised my heart to that pure source,
Whence heavenly comfort flows:
They taught me to despise the world,
And calmly bear its woes.
Whence heavenly comfort flows:
They taught me to despise the world,
And calmly bear its woes.
245
“No more the slave of human pride,
Vain hope, and sordid care,
I meekly vowed to spend my life
In penitence and prayer.
Vain hope, and sordid care,
I meekly vowed to spend my life
In penitence and prayer.
“The bold Sir Bertram now no more,
Impetuous, haughty, wild;
But poor and humble Benedict,
Now lowly, patient, mild:
Impetuous, haughty, wild;
But poor and humble Benedict,
Now lowly, patient, mild:
“My lands I gave to feed the poor,
And sacred altars raise;
And here, a lonely anchorite,
I came to end my days.
And sacred altars raise;
And here, a lonely anchorite,
I came to end my days.
“This sweet, sequestered vale I chose,
These rocks, and hanging grove;
For oft beside this murmuring stream
My love was wont to rove.
These rocks, and hanging grove;
For oft beside this murmuring stream
My love was wont to rove.
“My noble friend approved my choice;
This blest retreat he gave:
And here I carved her beauteous form,
And scooped this holy cave.
This blest retreat he gave:
And here I carved her beauteous form,
And scooped this holy cave.
“Full fifty winters, all forlorn,
My life I 've lingered here;
And daily o'er this sculptured saint
I drop the pensive tear.
My life I 've lingered here;
And daily o'er this sculptured saint
I drop the pensive tear.
246
“And thou, dear brother of my heart!
So faithful and so true,
The sad remembrance of thy fate
Still makes my bosom rue!
So faithful and so true,
The sad remembrance of thy fate
Still makes my bosom rue!
“Yet not unpitied passed my life,
Forsaken or forgot;
The Percy and his noble Son,
Would grace my lowly cot.
Forsaken or forgot;
The Percy and his noble Son,
Would grace my lowly cot.
“Oft the great Earl, from toils of state
And cumbrous pomp of power,
Would gladly seek my little cell,
To spend the tranquil hour.
And cumbrous pomp of power,
Would gladly seek my little cell,
To spend the tranquil hour.
“But length of life is length of woe!
I lived to mourn his fall:
I lived to mourn his godlike Son,
Their friends and followers all.
I lived to mourn his fall:
I lived to mourn his godlike Son,
Their friends and followers all.
“But thou the honors of thy race,
Loved youth, shalt now restore:
And raise again the Percy name
More glorious than before.”
Loved youth, shalt now restore:
And raise again the Percy name
More glorious than before.”
He ceased, and on the lovely pair
His choicest blessings laid;
While they with thanks and pitying tears
His mournful tale repaid.
His choicest blessings laid;
247
His mournful tale repaid.
And now what present course to take
They ask the good old sire;
And, guided by his sage advice,
To Scotland they retire.
They ask the good old sire;
And, guided by his sage advice,
To Scotland they retire.
Meantime their suit such favor found
At Raby's stately hall,
Earl Neville and his princely spouse
Now gladly pardon all.
At Raby's stately hall,
Earl Neville and his princely spouse
Now gladly pardon all.
She suppliant at her nephew's
throne
The royal grace implored:
To all the honors of his race
The Percy was restored.
The royal grace implored:
To all the honors of his race
The Percy was restored.
The youthful Earl still more and more
Admired his beauteous dame:
Nine noble sons to him she bore,
All worthy of their name.
Admired his beauteous dame:
Nine noble sons to him she bore,
All worthy of their name.
Robert Stuart, Duke of Albany. See the continuator of Fordun's Scoti-Chronicon, cap. 18, cap. 23, &c.
Ralph Neville, first Earl of Westmoreland, whose principal residence was at Raby Castle, in the Bishopric of Durham.
Adjoining to the cliff, which contains the Chapel of the Hermitage, are the remains of a small building, in which the Hermit dwelt. This consisted of one lower apartment, with a little bed-chamber over it, and is now in ruins: whereas the Chapel, cut in the solid rock, is still very entire and perfect.
In the little island of Coquet, near Warkworth, are still seen the ruins of a Cell, which belonged to the Benedictine Monks of Tinemouth Abbey.
This is a Bull's Head, the crest of the Widdrington family. All the figures, &c., here described, are still visible; only somewhat effaced with length of time.
In Lower Normandy are three places of the name of Percy: whence the family took the surname of De Percy.
William de Percy, (fifth in descent from Galfred, or Geffrey de Percy, son of Mainfred,) assisted in the conquest of England, and had given him the large possessions in Yorkshire, of Emma de Porte, (so the Norman writers name her,) whose father, a great Saxon lord, had been slain fighting along with Harold. This young lady, William, from a principle of honor and generosity, married: for, having had all her lands bestowed upon him by the Conqueror, “he (to use the words of the old Whitby Chronicle) wedded hyr that was very heire to them in discharging of his conscience.” See Harl. MSS. 692. (26.) He died in Asia, in the first Crusade.
Agnes de Percy, sole heiress of her house, married Josceline de Lovain, youngest son of Godfrey Barbatus, Duke of Brabant, and brother of Queen Adeliza, second wife of King Henry the First. He took the name of Percy, and was ancestor of the Earls of Northumberland. His son, Lord Richard de Percy, was one of the twenty-five Barons, chosen to see the Magna Charta duly observed.
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