Alfred An Heroic Poem, in Twenty-Four Books. By Joseph Cottle: 4th ed. |
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 | Alfred |  |
203
The old man raised, to learn who touch'd his latch,
He saw the chief, who on the former day
Had enter'd, and beside him, one, unknown.
‘Welcome to this low cot!’ he joyful cried,
And up to Oddune came full courteously,
And grasp'd his hand; then, turning to the king,
Welcom'd him o'er and o'er, as tho' the words,
Oft told, new sense convey'd and better shew'd
The master's hospitality. The king
Thus, with mild accent, his discourse began.
‘Thou hast a tranquil dwelling in this wood,
‘Far from a noisy world. If well I deem,
‘Content dwells with thee. Am I right old man?’
‘Aye, very right,’ he answered ‘I have thrived
‘Long in this glen, and every day I live
‘Makes me more cheerful.’
| Alfred | |