The Downing legends : Stories in Rhyme :: :: University of Virginia Library

No lord was he of mean degree,
But famed for state and pedigree.
Of many castles was he heir,
And none a castle in the air;
But each upon its craggy steep,
A massy pile of tower and keep,
Wherein were story-haunted halls
With armored shapes along the walls;
And each within a spacious fief
Of grain and turf and oaken leaf,
Where ravens prophecied of woe
To antlered deer a-drowse below.

But (better loved than all of this)
He left behind a mother's kiss,
And also left the pure embrace
Of girlish sisters, fair of face,
Who yet of lovers had no ken,
And thought him grandest man of men.
He carried next his gentle heart
Their letters sweet, and, while apart
From other folk, would read anew
The kindly wish and fond adieu,

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And gladly think of days to come
When glorious peace would send him home
To hear those blessing angels speak,
With tears and kisses on his cheek.