Ernest The Rule of Right. Second Edition [by Capel Lofft] |
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 | Ernest |  |
Ere this the sun was high, and the time ripe
They should go forth—so forth gaily they went,
The mother and the daughter, lover and sire—
One kin—if minds alas! were kindred too—
With them the old serving-man, grafted, years back,
Upon their stem, when the sun shone on them,
And growing evermore, weather alike,
As there home-born. Nor went they all alone—
For kindness loves communion of its joy;
But with them from their neighbours' friendly homes
Three merry village maids pranked in their best,
And five stout lads, unfashioned, yet with hearts
Warm as the ruddy colour of their cheeks
And manhood all as true;—brothers, or yet
Dearer to them than brothers, for love's sake.
In faith, a joyous train: enough of glee
Already to fulfil their holiday
Tho' it should bring none else. So they sped forth
Afoot, astride, or on the panier'd ass
Chancewise, blithe caroling: a motley throng
As the outlandish gipsy wanderers
Shifting their tawny canvas, ever on,
With careless change.
They should go forth—so forth gaily they went,
The mother and the daughter, lover and sire—
One kin—if minds alas! were kindred too—
With them the old serving-man, grafted, years back,
Upon their stem, when the sun shone on them,
And growing evermore, weather alike,
As there home-born. Nor went they all alone—
For kindness loves communion of its joy;
But with them from their neighbours' friendly homes
Three merry village maids pranked in their best,
And five stout lads, unfashioned, yet with hearts
Warm as the ruddy colour of their cheeks
And manhood all as true;—brothers, or yet
Dearer to them than brothers, for love's sake.
In faith, a joyous train: enough of glee
Already to fulfil their holiday
Tho' it should bring none else. So they sped forth
Afoot, astride, or on the panier'd ass
Chancewise, blithe caroling: a motley throng
As the outlandish gipsy wanderers
Shifting their tawny canvas, ever on,
With careless change.
| Ernest | |