Alfred An Heroic Poem, in Twenty-Four Books. By Joseph Cottle: 4th ed. |
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 | Alfred |  |
‘Thank thee old man;’
‘Alfred replied. ‘This harp I well will keep,
‘And prize it truly; ever when beheld
‘Thinking of thee. One kindness more I crave,
‘Pardon my prayer. It is an honest cause
‘For which I ask the favour. I am bound
‘To look the character I do not bear,
‘Many to serve. Hast thou no humble garb,
‘Awhile to lend me?’—‘Yea’ the woodman cried;
‘My son's shalt thou possess. Accept the boon.
‘The modest dress will honour him who wears it.
‘I give it with my blessing on thy head.’
‘The king replied. ‘Thank thee, good cottager!
‘My garb, till my return, I leave with thee,
‘And this my sword. Erelong, I fain would hope,
‘Again to see thee.’
‘Alfred replied. ‘This harp I well will keep,
‘And prize it truly; ever when beheld
‘Thinking of thee. One kindness more I crave,
‘Pardon my prayer. It is an honest cause
‘For which I ask the favour. I am bound
‘To look the character I do not bear,
‘Many to serve. Hast thou no humble garb,
‘Awhile to lend me?’—‘Yea’ the woodman cried;
‘My son's shalt thou possess. Accept the boon.
‘The modest dress will honour him who wears it.
‘I give it with my blessing on thy head.’
‘The king replied. ‘Thank thee, good cottager!
‘My garb, till my return, I leave with thee,
‘And this my sword. Erelong, I fain would hope,
‘Again to see thee.’
| Alfred | |