Edwy and Edilda, a tale, in five parts By the Rev. Thomas Sedgwick Whalley, author of "A poem on Mont Blanc," &c. &c. &c. Embellished with six fine engravings, from original designs, by a young lady |
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| I. |
| II. | PART II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
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 | Edwy and Edilda, a tale, in five parts |  |
23
II. PART II.
By all esteem'd, by all admir'd,
And much by all caress'd;
What anxious thought could now disturb
The heav'n in Edwy's breast?
And much by all caress'd;
What anxious thought could now disturb
The heav'n in Edwy's breast?
Was halcyon peace fair virtue's dow'r,
He sure had happy been;
But good and evil in this life
Still make a motley scene.
He sure had happy been;
But good and evil in this life
Still make a motley scene.
Thus Edwy, favour'd past his thought,
'Midst all his blessings found
A secret arrow in his heart
Inflict a deadly wound.
'Midst all his blessings found
A secret arrow in his heart
Inflict a deadly wound.
And who can doubt, that reads this tale,
The source of Edwy's woe?
Who but will guess Edilda's charms,
The source from whence they flow?
The source of Edwy's woe?
Who but will guess Edilda's charms,
The source from whence they flow?
Those dazzling charms with virtue join'd,
Which Heav'n itself approv'd;
What marvel if the Shepherd saw,
Admir'd, esteem'd, and lov'd?
Which Heav'n itself approv'd;
What marvel if the Shepherd saw,
Admir'd, esteem'd, and lov'd?
24
What marvel! when his own pure heart
The tablet was most fair,
Where every good and noble thought
At large inscribed were.
The tablet was most fair,
Where every good and noble thought
At large inscribed were.
Alas! their magic pow'r he felt
Within his artless breast,
Long ere the flame that bicker'd there,
Was to himself confess'd.
Within his artless breast,
Long ere the flame that bicker'd there,
Was to himself confess'd.
He fondly deem'd that rev'rence high,
Esteem, and duty fair,
With admiration, as of Heav'n,
Alone were center'd there.
Esteem, and duty fair,
With admiration, as of Heav'n,
Alone were center'd there.
And though with high and rare delight,
His eyes, he knew full well,
On sweet Edilda's peerless face
Unceasing lov'd to dwell:
His eyes, he knew full well,
On sweet Edilda's peerless face
Unceasing lov'd to dwell:
Although he knew his panting heart
Upon her accents hung;
And that his melting soul was lost
In raptures, when she sung:
Upon her accents hung;
And that his melting soul was lost
In raptures, when she sung:
Yet still the unexperienc'd youth
These daily transports prov'd;
Nor once divin'd, those transports sweet
Were symptoms that he lov'd.
These daily transports prov'd;
Nor once divin'd, those transports sweet
Were symptoms that he lov'd.
Day after day, with silent course,
Thus fleeted fast away;
But nothing yet to Edwy's self
Did Edwy's heart betray:
Thus fleeted fast away;
But nothing yet to Edwy's self
Did Edwy's heart betray:
25
Mean-time, of sweet Edilda's charms,
Did all-reporting Fame
Through every province, far and near,
The wondrous pow'r proclaim.
Did all-reporting Fame
Through every province, far and near,
The wondrous pow'r proclaim.
Hence many a Warrior of renown,
And many a Noble great,
To Galvan's palace hy'd away,
In all the pride of state:
And many a Noble great,
To Galvan's palace hy'd away,
In all the pride of state:
To Galvan's palace quickly hy'd,
And when admitted there,
Each one Edilda soon confess'd
The fairest of the fair.
And when admitted there,
Each one Edilda soon confess'd
The fairest of the fair.
But still the Virgin's gentle heart
Each suitor woo'd in vain;
And still the hymenëal bands
She view'd with cold disdain.
Each suitor woo'd in vain;
And still the hymenëal bands
She view'd with cold disdain.
Oft her indulgent Father's lips
Had sworn a solemn vow,
That ne'er, reluctant to the yoke,
Her bosom he would bow.
Had sworn a solemn vow,
That ne'er, reluctant to the yoke,
Her bosom he would bow.
And oft the gen'rous Warrior said,
His vast possessions all,
His noble race and honour'd na me,
Without an heir should fall;
His vast possessions all,
His noble race and honour'd na me,
Without an heir should fall;
Or ever at the altar's foot
Edilda's eyes shou'd wear
Averted looks, or on the bands
Of Hymen drop one tear.
Edilda's eyes shou'd wear
Averted looks, or on the bands
Of Hymen drop one tear.
26
And though in secret Galvan wish'd
His lovely Daughter's heart
Might to some meet Adorer's suit
Its tenderness impart;
His lovely Daughter's heart
Might to some meet Adorer's suit
Its tenderness impart;
Yet still as each his vows preferr'd,
And quick dismission met,
The gen'rous Noble veil'd the cares
Her coldness did beget.
And quick dismission met,
The gen'rous Noble veil'd the cares
Her coldness did beget.
The custom was in Galvan's hall,
When each returning day,
In various kinds of manly sports,
Was cheerful worn away;
When each returning day,
In various kinds of manly sports,
Was cheerful worn away;
To greet with many a dulcet strain
The evening's dusky hour;
And charm the stillness of the night
With music's potent pow'r.
The evening's dusky hour;
And charm the stillness of the night
With music's potent pow'r.
Hence every guest whose happy frame
Kind Heav'n the temper fine
To feel th'expressive sounds had giv'n
Of harmony divine,
Kind Heav'n the temper fine
To feel th'expressive sounds had giv'n
Of harmony divine,
Made, either with his vocal notes,
The vaulted ceiling ring,
Or swept, with many a concord sweet,
The lyre's enchanting string.
The vaulted ceiling ring,
Or swept, with many a concord sweet,
The lyre's enchanting string.
As warbling wood-larks answer sweet,
The tufted groves among,
While Philomela to the moon
Chants her pathetic song:
The tufted groves among,
While Philomela to the moon
Chants her pathetic song:
27
So fair Edilda's plaintive notes
Are heard transcending all;
And so do Edwy's mellow tones
Swell sweetly through the hall.
Are heard transcending all;
And so do Edwy's mellow tones
Swell sweetly through the hall.
But when to her melodious voice
His pipe accords its note,
And answers sweet, with melting strains,
The music of her throat;
His pipe accords its note,
And answers sweet, with melting strains,
The music of her throat;
Then harmony with rapture meets
Each fascinated ear,
And Silence, from the curtain'd night,
Enchanted! stoops to hear.
Each fascinated ear,
And Silence, from the curtain'd night,
Enchanted! stoops to hear.
And such their forms, and such their grace,
And such their skill, that he
Apollo fitly had been deem'd,
And she Calliope.
And such their skill, that he
Apollo fitly had been deem'd,
And she Calliope.
In England's court a Lord there was
Of great estate and fame;
Who high in Egbert's favour dwelt,
And Edbald was his name.
Of great estate and fame;
Who high in Egbert's favour dwelt,
And Edbald was his name.
His age, the time when manhood firm
Has pass'd of youth the bloom,
Yet still doth promise many years
Of lustihood to come:
Has pass'd of youth the bloom,
Yet still doth promise many years
Of lustihood to come:
His person portly, strong, and tall;
His face was fiercely fair,
His graceful manners pleas'd, yet aw'd,
And haughty was his air:
His face was fiercely fair,
His graceful manners pleas'd, yet aw'd,
And haughty was his air:
28
His nat'ral genius, quick and strong,
By skilful masters taught,
With knowledge far above his peers,
And wit, was amply fraught.
By skilful masters taught,
With knowledge far above his peers,
And wit, was amply fraught.
But what are all the gifts of Heav'n,
Improv'd with earthly art,
If reason and bright virtue bend,
And passion guides the heart?
Improv'd with earthly art,
If reason and bright virtue bend,
And passion guides the heart?
Thus Edbald, though supremely blest,
Disdaining reason's sway,
Obscur'd the fairest gifts of Heav'n,
And tarnish'd virtue's ray.
Disdaining reason's sway,
Obscur'd the fairest gifts of Heav'n,
And tarnish'd virtue's ray.
His heart impetuous, scornful, vain,
Could no controlment brook;
And deadly fury oft his soul,
As with a whirlwind, shook.
Could no controlment brook;
And deadly fury oft his soul,
As with a whirlwind, shook.
Alas! that overweening pride
Should spoil a fruit so fair!
That ever passion should deface
A gem, so rich and rare!
Should spoil a fruit so fair!
That ever passion should deface
A gem, so rich and rare!
Such Edbald was, by all admir'd;
Caress'd, though fear'd by all;
For still to favour, pow'r, and wealth,
Will servile flatt'ry fall.
Caress'd, though fear'd by all;
For still to favour, pow'r, and wealth,
Will servile flatt'ry fall.
But few I ween to Edbald's self
Offer'd the tribute fair
Of friendship, free from falsehood's stain,
Of faith and love sincere.
Offer'd the tribute fair
Of friendship, free from falsehood's stain,
Of faith and love sincere.
29
A spacious manor, seated near
To Severn's winding tide,
The haughty Edbald had obtain'd
When noble Erpwald dy'd:
To Severn's winding tide,
The haughty Edbald had obtain'd
When noble Erpwald dy'd:
For Erpwald, who his uncle was,
To all his fortunes fair,
Childless himself, had left of late
Edbald the only heir.
To all his fortunes fair,
Childless himself, had left of late
Edbald the only heir.
Attended with a splendid train,
He quits the court awhile;
And, to possess the wealth bequeath'd,
Rides many a tedious mile:
He quits the court awhile;
And, to possess the wealth bequeath'd,
Rides many a tedious mile:
By Severn's side his journey wends,
And passing on his road,
He sudden came where Galvan's tow'rs
With ample honours stood.
And passing on his road,
He sudden came where Galvan's tow'rs
With ample honours stood.
The hour serene of evening mild,
The dazzling glare of day,
In soft and slow-advancing shades,
Now silent stole away.
The dazzling glare of day,
In soft and slow-advancing shades,
Now silent stole away.
The Noble paus'd, and to his squire
A quick commandment gives,
To ask what lord within those tow'rs
So fair and stately lives?
A quick commandment gives,
To ask what lord within those tow'rs
So fair and stately lives?
He hies him instant to the gate,
And as the horn did sound,
Lord Galvan's porters us'd their speed,
And quickly gather'd round,
And as the horn did sound,
Lord Galvan's porters us'd their speed,
And quickly gather'd round,
30
Soon to the courteous question they
An answer courteous gave:
“The honour'd Galvan dwelleth here,
“Rich, noble, good, and brave!”
An answer courteous gave:
“The honour'd Galvan dwelleth here,
“Rich, noble, good, and brave!”
At Galvan's name the Warrior's face
A smile of pleasure wears;
For he the aged Lord had known,
Ev'n from his earliest years.
A smile of pleasure wears;
For he the aged Lord had known,
Ev'n from his earliest years.
And often in his father's court,
An infant yet in war,
Galvan his eager hand had taught
To wield the sword and spear.
An infant yet in war,
Galvan his eager hand had taught
To wield the sword and spear.
“Return to honour'd Galvan's gate,”
Unto his squires he cry'd;
“And say, Earl Edbald means this night
“With Galvan to abide.”
Unto his squires he cry'd;
“And say, Earl Edbald means this night
“With Galvan to abide.”
And scarcely had the porters strong
Set wide the lofty gate,
When Edbald on his courser gay
Pranc'd proudly in thereat.
Set wide the lofty gate,
When Edbald on his courser gay
Pranc'd proudly in thereat.
And scarce the tidings of his guest
Had noble Galvan heard,
Or ever at his portal fair
The puissant guest appear'd.
Had noble Galvan heard,
Or ever at his portal fair
The puissant guest appear'd.
The ancient Hero, fill'd with joy,
The far-fam'd Warrior meets;
And with an open heart and arm
The honour'd Noble greets.
The far-fam'd Warrior meets;
And with an open heart and arm
The honour'd Noble greets.
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“Welcome, thrice welcome,” loud he cry'd,
“Is Edbald to my hall!
“Whatever chance has led thee here,
“May fair that chance befal!
“Is Edbald to my hall!
“Whatever chance has led thee here,
“May fair that chance befal!
“And if my pow'r but mates my will,
“Thy treatment here shall be
“Worthy thy honour'd father's son,
“And worthy, Lord, of thee.”
“Thy treatment here shall be
“Worthy thy honour'd father's son,
“And worthy, Lord, of thee.”
Most graciously the valiant Earl
To Galvan made reply;
And much he thank'd his greetings kind,
And much his courtesy.
To Galvan made reply;
And much he thank'd his greetings kind,
And much his courtesy.
Thence to the hospitable hall
He pass'd with Galvan straight,
Where many a Knight and Baron bold
In social converse sat.
He pass'd with Galvan straight,
Where many a Knight and Baron bold
In social converse sat.
And there the sweet Edilda too,
With other ladies fair,
As usual, at the dusky hour
Of eve, assembled were.
With other ladies fair,
As usual, at the dusky hour
Of eve, assembled were.
With other ladies fair she sat;
But who, when she was by,
On other beauties ever glanc'd
With an approving eye?
But who, when she was by,
On other beauties ever glanc'd
With an approving eye?
The silver lyre, but lately mute,
Within her lily hand
She lightly held; while with his pipe,
Edwy did graceful stand:
Within her lily hand
She lightly held; while with his pipe,
Edwy did graceful stand:
32
And as the accents of her voice
He modest seem'd to wait,
On his fine face delight and love
In glowing transports sat.
He modest seem'd to wait,
On his fine face delight and love
In glowing transports sat.
But soon as lofty Edbald's steps
Approach'd the circle fair,
The whole assembly deftly rose
To do him honour there.
Approach'd the circle fair,
The whole assembly deftly rose
To do him honour there.
With noble mien he courteous bows
To each saluting guest,
And for their courtesy, content
And mickle thanks express'd.
To each saluting guest,
And for their courtesy, content
And mickle thanks express'd.
Lo! Galvan, who a moment past
Had quitted Edbald's side,
His lovely Daughter leads along,
With all a father's pride!
Had quitted Edbald's side,
His lovely Daughter leads along,
With all a father's pride!
To Edbald he presents the maid:
And as her accents sweet,
With many a welcome, full, and fair,
The noble Stranger greet;
And as her accents sweet,
With many a welcome, full, and fair,
The noble Stranger greet;
Astonishment and rapture high
Were mingled in his look!
And while she talk'd, he surely ween'd
It was an angel spoke!
Were mingled in his look!
And while she talk'd, he surely ween'd
It was an angel spoke!
His air so haughty vanish'd quick,
As with an alter'd eye
And soften'd voice, in gallant terms,
He seemly made reply.
As with an alter'd eye
And soften'd voice, in gallant terms,
He seemly made reply.
33
And whilst along the spacious hall,
'Midst parted ranks they move;
He seems the stately God of War,
And she the Queen of Love.
'Midst parted ranks they move;
He seems the stately God of War,
And she the Queen of Love.
By fair Edilda seated close
At Galvan's plenteous board,
A rich repast her thousand charms
His dazzled eyes afford:
At Galvan's plenteous board,
A rich repast her thousand charms
His dazzled eyes afford:
A rich repast her charms afford;
The while the various feast,
And sparkling wines, before his eyes
Are unregarded plac'd.
The while the various feast,
And sparkling wines, before his eyes
Are unregarded plac'd.
But now the silver lyre he kens,
And asks Edilda sweet,
If harmony's soft touches were
For her a pleasure meet?
And asks Edilda sweet,
If harmony's soft touches were
For her a pleasure meet?
At her assent the silver lyre
He takes, and o'er its strings
His nimble hand, with magic touch,
A thousand changes rings.
He takes, and o'er its strings
His nimble hand, with magic touch,
A thousand changes rings.
Loud and more loud the swelling chords
Now all majestic roll;
Soft and more soft now sink away,
And sooth, and melt the soul.
Now all majestic roll;
Soft and more soft now sink away,
And sooth, and melt the soul.
Upon his fingers finely strung
With harmony, the while
Edilda's eyes were firmly fix'd
With many a raptur'd smile!
With harmony, the while
Edilda's eyes were firmly fix'd
With many a raptur'd smile!
34
Edilda smil'd, and all approv'd
But one, whose love-sick heart
Seem'd from his bosom with her smiles
Impatient to depart.
But one, whose love-sick heart
Seem'd from his bosom with her smiles
Impatient to depart.
For while the maid delighted heard
The skilful Edbald play,
The jealous Edwy's wretched soul
In mis'ry sunk away.
The skilful Edbald play,
The jealous Edwy's wretched soul
In mis'ry sunk away.
Upon his brows a cold dew hung,
And in his heaving breast
The lab'ring sigh, and quicken'd throb,
An anguish deep express'd.
And in his heaving breast
The lab'ring sigh, and quicken'd throb,
An anguish deep express'd.
But soon by emulation stung,
While Edbald all admir'd,
To win an equal palm of praise,
His spirit high aspir'd.
While Edbald all admir'd,
To win an equal palm of praise,
His spirit high aspir'd.
And to his wish the sounding lyre
No sooner silent stands,
Than Edwy tunes his mellow pipe
At Galvan's kind commands.
No sooner silent stands,
Than Edwy tunes his mellow pipe
At Galvan's kind commands.
His pipe he tunes, and while each nerve
The jealous Shepherd strains;
Unwonted tributes of applause
His new-born skill obtains.
The jealous Shepherd strains;
Unwonted tributes of applause
His new-born skill obtains.
But Edbald far above the rest
His high encomiums rung,
And wonder vast at Edwy's skill
Flow'd copious from his tongue.
His high encomiums rung,
And wonder vast at Edwy's skill
Flow'd copious from his tongue.
35
And when he learnt who Edwy was,
Much marvell'd that his birth
Should so, beyond compare, be found
Excell'd, by wit and worth.
Much marvell'd that his birth
Should so, beyond compare, be found
Excell'd, by wit and worth.
And much his person he extoll'd,
And swore his virtues rare,
And courtly manners, worthy well
The highest honours were.
And swore his virtues rare,
And courtly manners, worthy well
The highest honours were.
But what avail these praises now
To Edwy's aching heart,
Where fatal jealousy had fix'd,
Unspy'd, her poison'd dart!
To Edwy's aching heart,
Where fatal jealousy had fix'd,
Unspy'd, her poison'd dart!
When silent sleep had every guest
In silken slumbers laid,
In vain his poppies he would strew
On Edwy's hapless head.
In silken slumbers laid,
In vain his poppies he would strew
On Edwy's hapless head.
The conflict dire of passions strong
That struggled in his breast,
His tortur'd soul and watchful eye
Depriv'd of balmy rest.
That struggled in his breast,
His tortur'd soul and watchful eye
Depriv'd of balmy rest.
Awhile with inward groans he toss'd,
In deep and speechless woe;
Nor dar'd to probe the rankling wound,
From whence such evils flow.
In deep and speechless woe;
Nor dar'd to probe the rankling wound,
From whence such evils flow.
At last, unable to contain
The gust of grief, he cry'd,
“Ah! would to God that Edwy ere
“This fatal night had dy'd!
The gust of grief, he cry'd,
“Ah! would to God that Edwy ere
“This fatal night had dy'd!
36
“Accursed be my feeble pipe,
“That could not once inspire
“The sweet regards, that waited still
“On Edbald's tuneful lyre.
“That could not once inspire
“The sweet regards, that waited still
“On Edbald's tuneful lyre.
“Ah! what avails his hated praise,
“When fair Edilda's smile,
“That wonted tribute to my lays,
“Which did my heart beguile,
“When fair Edilda's smile,
“That wonted tribute to my lays,
“Which did my heart beguile,
“Unto his better, happier hand
“A higher tribute paid;
“And round her lips, at Edbald's lays,
“So long, so sweetly play'd?
“A higher tribute paid;
“And round her lips, at Edbald's lays,
“So long, so sweetly play'd?
“But, wretched shepherd, why should'st thou
“Lament his sweeter strain?
“And why, of bright Edilda's smiles
“Should one like thee complain?
“Lament his sweeter strain?
“And why, of bright Edilda's smiles
“Should one like thee complain?
“What mad presumption thus thy heart
“With impulse strange can move?
“Ah! can it be! almighty powers!
“It is, it must be love!”
“With impulse strange can move?
“Ah! can it be! almighty powers!
“It is, it must be love!”
This fatal truth, so long conceal'd
In Edwy's secret breast,
Too late disclos'd! with tenfold woe
The wretched youth opprest.
In Edwy's secret breast,
Too late disclos'd! with tenfold woe
The wretched youth opprest.
Impatient longings, fierce desires,
The throws of wild despair,
With jealousy's tormenting pangs,
Made dreadful havock there.
The throws of wild despair,
With jealousy's tormenting pangs,
Made dreadful havock there.
37
The alter'd Edwy, late the pride
Of Galvan's crowded hall,
No longer answer'd jocund now
At mirth's convivial call:
Of Galvan's crowded hall,
No longer answer'd jocund now
At mirth's convivial call:
The unfrequented path he sought,
And there he lov'd alone
To pour his sorrows on the earth,
And heave the bitter groan.
And there he lov'd alone
To pour his sorrows on the earth,
And heave the bitter groan.
While others still in various sports
Consum'd the cheerful day,
To solitude and racking woe
He gave himself away.
Consum'd the cheerful day,
To solitude and racking woe
He gave himself away.
But when the hour of ev'ning came,
Then what was Edwy's care?
How was his hapless bosom torn
By love, and by despair!
Then what was Edwy's care?
How was his hapless bosom torn
By love, and by despair!
'Gainst nature still in hateful mirth
Constrain'd to bear a part;
Yet hear that tongue, and meet those eyes,
That pierc'd him to the heart.
Constrain'd to bear a part;
Yet hear that tongue, and meet those eyes,
That pierc'd him to the heart.
But when at sweet Edilda's word
The tuneful pipe he takes,
And with the music of her voice,
Soft melody awakes;
The tuneful pipe he takes,
And with the music of her voice,
Soft melody awakes;
O then his gentle amorous heart
Feels most love's subtle fire;
And while he plays, his very soul
Seems melting with desire.
Feels most love's subtle fire;
And while he plays, his very soul
Seems melting with desire.
38
A change so great in one so lov'd,
Not long could be conceal'd,
While pallid looks and spirits broke
The private pangs reveal'd.
Not long could be conceal'd,
While pallid looks and spirits broke
The private pangs reveal'd.
Soon Galvan, with a friendly care,
Intreats the drooping Swain
To say, what secret discontent
Or sickness caus'd his pain.
Intreats the drooping Swain
To say, what secret discontent
Or sickness caus'd his pain.
What discontent in Galvan's court,
So blest with Galvan's love?
He answers mild, “Can Edwy's heart
“With basest influence move?
So blest with Galvan's love?
He answers mild, “Can Edwy's heart
“With basest influence move?
“With lurking malady alone
“His grateful heart's opprest;
“And ease and cheerfulness are driven,
“With health, from Edwy's breast.”
“His grateful heart's opprest;
“And ease and cheerfulness are driven,
“With health, from Edwy's breast.”
The skilful leeches summon'd now,
Their utmost aid impart;
But all in vain! the evil lay
Beyond the reach of art.
Their utmost aid impart;
But all in vain! the evil lay
Beyond the reach of art.
Meantime the sweet Edilda's eyes
In Edwy's alter'd face,
And languid spirits, quickly saw
The fatal change there was.
In Edwy's alter'd face,
And languid spirits, quickly saw
The fatal change there was.
She saw, and mourn'd; for passing well
She priz'd the gentle youth,
For pleasing converse, talents rare,
For modesty and truth:
She priz'd the gentle youth,
For pleasing converse, talents rare,
For modesty and truth:
39
And of his welfare she inquir'd
Full oft, with tender care;
And watch'd his cheek, and griev'd to see
The roses dying there.
Full oft, with tender care;
And watch'd his cheek, and griev'd to see
The roses dying there.
No more she joy'd to hear the lyre
By Edbald nimbly swept:
And when he urg'd his tender suit,
She only sigh'd and wept.
By Edbald nimbly swept:
And when he urg'd his tender suit,
She only sigh'd and wept.
She sigh'd and wept; for well she knew
Her honour'd Father's heart,
In Edbald's vows, and Edbald's pains,
Still bore an anxious part.
Her honour'd Father's heart,
In Edbald's vows, and Edbald's pains,
Still bore an anxious part.
By love arrested, Edbald's steps
In Galvan's court had stay'd;
And all his thoughts had center'd long
In the enchanting maid.
In Galvan's court had stay'd;
And all his thoughts had center'd long
In the enchanting maid.
But sore the haughty Lord was touch'd,
To find his proffer'd love
In fair Edilda's adverse breast
No soft return could move.
To find his proffer'd love
In fair Edilda's adverse breast
No soft return could move.
And oft indignant he had vow'd
To pay her scorn with scorn:
But still the pow'r of mighty love
Such vows had overborn.
To pay her scorn with scorn:
But still the pow'r of mighty love
Such vows had overborn.
Convinc'd at last that all his pride
To combat love was vain,
He hopes, from time and tender care,
His wishes to obtain.
To combat love was vain,
He hopes, from time and tender care,
His wishes to obtain.
40
The generous Galvan too, her heart
By soothing soft would move,
And mild persuasion's pow'rful voice,
To smile on Edbald's love.
By soothing soft would move,
And mild persuasion's pow'rful voice,
To smile on Edbald's love.
Yet still the coy determin'd maid
Rejected all his pray'rs;
And closely press'd, would urge his vow,
And bind it with her tears.
Rejected all his pray'rs;
And closely press'd, would urge his vow,
And bind it with her tears.
With inward grief she mark'd the while
Poor Edwy's fast decay;
And sigh'd to see so fair a flow'r
So early fade away.
Poor Edwy's fast decay;
And sigh'd to see so fair a flow'r
So early fade away.
One evening as he trembling stood,
And with his pipe so clear,
Accompanied her melting notes,
That all were charm'd to hear;
And with his pipe so clear,
Accompanied her melting notes,
That all were charm'd to hear;
The tears, unheeded, from his cheek
Dropt frequent on the book
Where sweet Edilda's lovely eyes
Attentively did look.
Dropt frequent on the book
Where sweet Edilda's lovely eyes
Attentively did look.
She heard them fall, she saw them moist,
Upon the notes she sung;
While pity throb'd within her breast,
And trembled on her tongue:
Upon the notes she sung;
While pity throb'd within her breast,
And trembled on her tongue:
But ending now, she sudden turn'd
With sweet and tender air,
And pray'd, in whispers soft, to know
The cause of Edwy's care.
With sweet and tender air,
And pray'd, in whispers soft, to know
The cause of Edwy's care.
41
“Ask not,” he cry'd, “the fatal cause
“From whence my sorrows flow.
“O! ask not what I ne'er must speak,
“Nor you should ever know.”
“From whence my sorrows flow.
“O! ask not what I ne'er must speak,
“Nor you should ever know.”
He added not, and from her turn'd,
Distress'd, his glowing cheek,
While soft involuntary sighs
Her secret anguish speak.
Distress'd, his glowing cheek,
While soft involuntary sighs
Her secret anguish speak.
Yet still th'emotion soft to hide,
She us'd her utmost care:
Nor dar'd once question her fond heart,
What passions wrestled there.
She us'd her utmost care:
Nor dar'd once question her fond heart,
What passions wrestled there.
A custom was in Egbert's court,
When bloody wars did cease,
And doughty warriors arms were laid
Upon the lap of peace;
When bloody wars did cease,
And doughty warriors arms were laid
Upon the lap of peace;
Lest warlike arms and pow'rs should rust,
To mark the listed field,
Where Heroes, fam'd for val'rous deeds,
The glittering lance might wield.
To mark the listed field,
Where Heroes, fam'd for val'rous deeds,
The glittering lance might wield.
Nor fame alone, nor love of arms,
Their beating bosoms fir'd,
A softer passion oft their hearts
More ardently inspir'd.
Their beating bosoms fir'd,
A softer passion oft their hearts
More ardently inspir'd.
Hence many a Knight and Baron bold
Had borne the envied prize,
Encourag'd by th'approving glance
Of some kind beauty's eyes.
Had borne the envied prize,
Encourag'd by th'approving glance
Of some kind beauty's eyes.
42
But still within the listed field,
For prowess, none could dare
With noble Edbald's matchless might
Presumptuous! to compare.
For prowess, none could dare
With noble Edbald's matchless might
Presumptuous! to compare.
Lo! at his wish his noble host
Invites, both far and nigh,
Each valiant Knight and Baron bold
To deeds of Chivalry.
Invites, both far and nigh,
Each valiant Knight and Baron bold
To deeds of Chivalry.
For Edbald held a secret hope,
That, with high deeds of fame,
His arm in sweet Edilda's breast
Might rouse the sleeping flame.
That, with high deeds of fame,
His arm in sweet Edilda's breast
Might rouse the sleeping flame.
The Heralds soon to all around,
The tidings loud declare;
And say, “the Victors choice rewards
“With honour great shall wear.
The tidings loud declare;
And say, “the Victors choice rewards
“With honour great shall wear.
“The first in might Edilda's hand
“A costly sword shall give,
“With golden hilt of curious work.
“The second shall receive
“A costly sword shall give,
“With golden hilt of curious work.
“The second shall receive
“A brightly-polish'd ebon bow,
“With silver ringlets grac'd;
“And in the bow a taper shaft
“Of silver, featly plac'd.”
“With silver ringlets grac'd;
“And in the bow a taper shaft
“Of silver, featly plac'd.”
Quickly doth many a Warrior brave
His goodly arms prepare;
And weens with glory in the lists
To poise the pond'rous spear.
His goodly arms prepare;
And weens with glory in the lists
To poise the pond'rous spear.
43
But Edbald, far beyond them all,
His anxious cares addrest;
For valour, glory, pride, and love,
All burnt within his breast.
His anxious cares addrest;
For valour, glory, pride, and love,
All burnt within his breast.
The rosy morn now blushes bright,
When many a deed of fame,
Emblazon'd fair in honour's field,
Shall grace the Hero's name.
When many a deed of fame,
Emblazon'd fair in honour's field,
Shall grace the Hero's name.
The space is mark'd, the seats are fix'd;
And soon the ladies fair,
A goodly train! in bright array,
Assembling, rested there.
And soon the ladies fair,
A goodly train! in bright array,
Assembling, rested there.
With Galvan sat the Lords and Knights,
Whose valour feeble age
Forbad the glorious tournament
With vigorous youth to wage.
Whose valour feeble age
Forbad the glorious tournament
With vigorous youth to wage.
High in the centre, underneath
A gorgeous canopy,
The fair Edilda charm'd each heart,
And dazzled every eye.
A gorgeous canopy,
The fair Edilda charm'd each heart,
And dazzled every eye.
Sweet wreaths of roses bind her hair
With many a fragrant twine,
And purple robes, and jewels bright,
To deck her charms combine.
With many a fragrant twine,
And purple robes, and jewels bright,
To deck her charms combine.
Than purple robes, or jewels bright,
Her charms more shining far;
Nor could the roses with her cheeks,
Nor with her breath compare!
Her charms more shining far;
Nor could the roses with her cheeks,
Nor with her breath compare!
44
Upon her knees the bow was laid,
One Victor's fair reward;
And in her hand she graceful held
The costly glittering sword.
One Victor's fair reward;
And in her hand she graceful held
The costly glittering sword.
Yet pensive languors somewhat dull'd
The brightness of her eye;
And oft her snowy breast appear'd
To heave a gentle sigh.
The brightness of her eye;
And oft her snowy breast appear'd
To heave a gentle sigh.
For wretched Edwy's mournful words,
Still sounded in her ear;
And much she mourn'd, where glory call'd,
That Edwy was not there:
Still sounded in her ear;
And much she mourn'd, where glory call'd,
That Edwy was not there:
His absence mourn'd from honour's field;
But more the cankering tooth
Of sorrow, that withheld him thence,
And blighted sore his youth.
But more the cankering tooth
Of sorrow, that withheld him thence,
And blighted sore his youth.
The trumpets sound, the barriers ope;
And in the lists appear
Full many a Champion, mounted bold
Upon his courser fair.
And in the lists appear
Full many a Champion, mounted bold
Upon his courser fair.
Their armour shines, they point the lance,
Their nimble coursers bound;
And with a firm and warlike air
They prance the lists around.
Their nimble coursers bound;
And with a firm and warlike air
They prance the lists around.
Forthwith a Pageantry most rare
Engages every eye,
Where Arms, and Steeds, and Warriors shew
With mickle bravery.
Engages every eye,
Where Arms, and Steeds, and Warriors shew
With mickle bravery.
45
A gallant Champion heads the train,
Upon a milk-white steed,
Whose gilded trappings glitter bright
About his tossing head.
Upon a milk-white steed,
Whose gilded trappings glitter bright
About his tossing head.
And now his arched neck he bows
On his broad bosom fair,
Now proudly snorting champs his bit,
And snuffs the ambient air.
On his broad bosom fair,
Now proudly snorting champs his bit,
And snuffs the ambient air.
His eager eye-balls glow with fire,
And while he thunders round,
His golden shoes, with paces high,
Spurn as they touch the ground.
And while he thunders round,
His golden shoes, with paces high,
Spurn as they touch the ground.
The puissant Warrior on his back
All fiercely graceful rode;
And shook his lance, till chilling fear
Ran shiv'ring through their blood.
All fiercely graceful rode;
And shook his lance, till chilling fear
Ran shiv'ring through their blood.
His armour splendid was to view,
Of polish'd steel and gold;
And with a mighty hand he still
His fiery steed control'd.
Of polish'd steel and gold;
And with a mighty hand he still
His fiery steed control'd.
Upon his polish'd helmet high
The spangled plumage shone;
And flowing half-way down his back,
Wav'd sparkling to the sun.
The spangled plumage shone;
And flowing half-way down his back,
Wav'd sparkling to the sun.
Upon his shield, in rare device!
Was seen a Painting brave,
Where Love, the Palm of Valour to
A kneeling Warrior gave.
Was seen a Painting brave,
Where Love, the Palm of Valour to
A kneeling Warrior gave.
46
Above in golden letters bright,
These words were seen the while;
“Love, thou art just!” and these beneath,
“I conquer by thy smile.”
These words were seen the while;
“Love, thou art just!” and these beneath,
“I conquer by thy smile.”
A numerous train his steps attend,
And round the listed field,
In shining pairs behind him rank'd,
A goodly prospect yield.
And round the listed field,
In shining pairs behind him rank'd,
A goodly prospect yield.
But as the Warrior past the place
Where sweet Edilda shone,
With couched lance, in fair salute,
He graceful bow'd him down:
Where sweet Edilda shone,
With couched lance, in fair salute,
He graceful bow'd him down:
And as the beaver he did lift,
His face was well descry'd;
And Edbald's high renowned name
Was heard on every side.
His face was well descry'd;
And Edbald's high renowned name
Was heard on every side.
The trumpets sound a sprightly charge,
The tilters take their stand,
And wait with ardent throbbing breasts,
The clarion's last command.
The tilters take their stand,
And wait with ardent throbbing breasts,
The clarion's last command.
It shrilly sounds; and now amain,
Along the quaking ground,
The champions rush; they furious clash;—
And clanging arms resound.
Along the quaking ground,
The champions rush; they furious clash;—
And clanging arms resound.
Full many a Warrior of renown
On that redoubted day,
With batter'd mail, and bruised limbs,
In dust low grov'ling lay.
On that redoubted day,
With batter'd mail, and bruised limbs,
In dust low grov'ling lay.
47
But still above each tilter brave,
Earl Edbald glorious shone;
And each encounter more declar'd
The envied prize his own.
Earl Edbald glorious shone;
And each encounter more declar'd
The envied prize his own.
At length as round he proudly wheel'd
With fierce and scornful air,
He ween'd that no advent'rous Knight
Would further contest dare.
With fierce and scornful air,
He ween'd that no advent'rous Knight
Would further contest dare.
But vainly ween'd! for once again
The martial trumpets sound;
And once again a rival Knight
Appear'd within the bound.
The martial trumpets sound;
And once again a rival Knight
Appear'd within the bound.
And much his form, and motions much,
Attracted every eye;
And in his mien a spirit rare,
And grace, one might espy.
Attracted every eye;
And in his mien a spirit rare,
And grace, one might espy.
Upon a coal-black steed he rode,
That like the ebon shone;
And all his armour wore the face
Of one quite woe-begone.
That like the ebon shone;
And all his armour wore the face
Of one quite woe-begone.
For all of black his armour was,
But where upon his breast,
A bleeding heart quite pierced through,
His malady exprest.
But where upon his breast,
A bleeding heart quite pierced through,
His malady exprest.
And round the heart, in curious guise,
This motto did appear,
In flaming letters portray'd bright;
“I love, and I despair!”
This motto did appear,
In flaming letters portray'd bright;
“I love, and I despair!”
48
The clarions sound,—like rushing winds
The coursers wing their way;
And at their mighty shock each breast
Is fill'd with strange dismay;
The coursers wing their way;
And at their mighty shock each breast
Is fill'd with strange dismay;
At the fierce stroke of Edbald's spear,
The sable Warrior reel'd,
But with his blow the puissant Earl
Lay stretch'd upon the field.
The sable Warrior reel'd,
But with his blow the puissant Earl
Lay stretch'd upon the field.
Each bosom at the Hero's might
Is fill'd with vast surprise,
And long applauses echo round,
And rend the vaulted skies.
Is fill'd with vast surprise,
And long applauses echo round,
And rend the vaulted skies.
Another, and another yet,
Within the listed field,
The sable Warrior's thund'ring arm
Reluctant forc'd to yield.
Within the listed field,
The sable Warrior's thund'ring arm
Reluctant forc'd to yield.
At length, to hail the trumpet's voice,
Thrice sounding far and near,
No Champion to contest the prize
Of valour, durst appear.
Thrice sounding far and near,
No Champion to contest the prize
Of valour, durst appear.
To sweet Edilda's judgment-seat,
The victor now they lead,
Where of his prowess from her hand,
He, kneeling, takes the meed.
The victor now they lead,
Where of his prowess from her hand,
He, kneeling, takes the meed.
And while the costly glittering sword
She graciously bestows;
“May this,” she cried, “defend thee still,
“And still offend thy foes!”
She graciously bestows;
“May this,” she cried, “defend thee still,
“And still offend thy foes!”
49
The Warrior bow'd with mickle grace;
And as he touch'd her hand,
No longer could his lab'ring breast
Its fervours strong command.
And as he touch'd her hand,
No longer could his lab'ring breast
Its fervours strong command.
“All-honour'd maid!” (in transports lost)
“By thy dear hand,” he cry'd,
“While life remains, this envied sword
“Shall honour Edwy's side.”
“By thy dear hand,” he cry'd,
“While life remains, this envied sword
“Shall honour Edwy's side.”
The words were past without recall;
Deep blushes warm her cheek,
While from her faint and fault'ring tongue
These trembling accents break:
Deep blushes warm her cheek,
While from her faint and fault'ring tongue
These trembling accents break:
“Why, Edwy, why dost thou persist
“To wound my tender heart?—
“But time is short; hence, quickly hence;
“Unseen, unheard, depart.
“To wound my tender heart?—
“But time is short; hence, quickly hence;
“Unseen, unheard, depart.
“Edilda would not for the world
“It ever should appear,
“That noble Edbald was o'erthrown
“By lowly Edwy's spear.”
“It ever should appear,
“That noble Edbald was o'erthrown
“By lowly Edwy's spear.”
“Fear not,” in whispers soft, he cry'd,
“That Edwy shall be known
“To any eye that views him here
“But thine, sweet maid, alone.”
“That Edwy shall be known
“To any eye that views him here
“But thine, sweet maid, alone.”
“Nor had Edilda Edwy found,
“Had not his treach'rous tongue,
“And treach'rous heart, the purpos'd cloud
“Dispell'd, that round him hung.”
“Had not his treach'rous tongue,
“And treach'rous heart, the purpos'd cloud
“Dispell'd, that round him hung.”
50
With low obeisance, sighing, now
He quits Edilda's feet,
And, like a shadow, from the lists,
Unknown, doth swiftly fleet.
He quits Edilda's feet,
And, like a shadow, from the lists,
Unknown, doth swiftly fleet.
Edbald the while, whose haughty soul
Was fill'd with rage and shame,
Curses the arm whose deadly force
Had sullied his bright fame.
Was fill'd with rage and shame,
Curses the arm whose deadly force
Had sullied his bright fame.
Behold, with fierce indignant mien,
Sunk eye, and low'ring brows,
To meet the second prize decreed,
Before the maid he bows.
Sunk eye, and low'ring brows,
To meet the second prize decreed,
Before the maid he bows.
The ebon bow she graceful gives,
And arrow straight and fair;
And soothing tells how much the prize
Beneath his merits are.
And arrow straight and fair;
And soothing tells how much the prize
Beneath his merits are.
“The prize by thy beloved hand
“Is precious made,” he cry'd;
“But ere Earl Edbald saw this day,
“'Twere better he had dy'd;
“Is precious made,” he cry'd;
“But ere Earl Edbald saw this day,
“'Twere better he had dy'd;
“Since at the hour when most he wish'd
“Bright Fame to bear away,
“At that accursed hour alone,
“His laurels knew decay.
“Bright Fame to bear away,
“At that accursed hour alone,
“His laurels knew decay.
“O! let this hand the champion meet
“Once more, ye Powers above!
“Then mortal conflict shall the force
“Of Edbald's vengeance prove.
“Once more, ye Powers above!
“Then mortal conflict shall the force
“Of Edbald's vengeance prove.
51
“Then what it is to rouse my rage,
“The trembling wretch shall find;
“Then shall his blood, to heal my fame,
“Be scatter'd to the wind!”
“The trembling wretch shall find;
“Then shall his blood, to heal my fame,
“Be scatter'd to the wind!”
Forthwith the whole assembly rose,
And willing turn'd their feet
Where Galvan's tables (lordly spread)
The harass'd spirits greet.
And willing turn'd their feet
Where Galvan's tables (lordly spread)
The harass'd spirits greet.
And there around the spicy bowls
They social chat away,
According to their several thoughts,
The fortunes of the day.
They social chat away,
According to their several thoughts,
The fortunes of the day.
But still the valiant Stranger's name
All curious are to know;
And still from each impartial tongue
His well-earn'd praises flow.
All curious are to know;
And still from each impartial tongue
His well-earn'd praises flow.
END OF THE SECOND PART.
| Edwy and Edilda, a tale, in five parts | |