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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 | Edwy and Edilda, a tale, in five parts |  |
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PART III.
Edwy, the while, apart retir'd,
His lonely pillow prest,
A thousand cares distracting wide
The empire of his breast.
His lonely pillow prest,
A thousand cares distracting wide
The empire of his breast.
A secret pleasure each kind look,
And every gracious word
Of sweet Edilda, in the lists,
His musing mind afford.
And every gracious word
Of sweet Edilda, in the lists,
His musing mind afford.
Her soft confusion, tender fears,
In dear remembrance rise;
And Hope begins to warm his cheek,
And sparkle in his eyes.
In dear remembrance rise;
And Hope begins to warm his cheek,
And sparkle in his eyes.
But scarce she flashes through the night,
That hangs about his heart,
Ere fell despair the welcome guest
Constraineth to depart.
That hangs about his heart,
Ere fell despair the welcome guest
Constraineth to depart.
“Presumptuous wretch!” he sighing cries,
“What madness thus can move
“Thy soul to harbour but a thought
“Of bright Edilda's love!
“What madness thus can move
“Thy soul to harbour but a thought
“Of bright Edilda's love!
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“The generous maid's emotions soft,
“From pity rose alone;
“Though by that pity Edwy's heart
“Is but the more undone.
“From pity rose alone;
“Though by that pity Edwy's heart
“Is but the more undone.
“Or should a phrensy, like thy own,
“Her tender breast beguile,
“Upon thy ill-condition'd love
“To cast a fav'ring smile;
“Her tender breast beguile,
“Upon thy ill-condition'd love
“To cast a fav'ring smile;
“Could'st thou, ungenerous! from the height
“Where brightly she doth shine,
“Could'st thou debase the noble maid
“To such a state as thine?
“Where brightly she doth shine,
“Could'st thou debase the noble maid
“To such a state as thine?
“Could'st thou, ungenerous youth! consent
“From honour to depart,
“In Galvan's breast a viper prove,
“And sting him to the heart?
“From honour to depart,
“In Galvan's breast a viper prove,
“And sting him to the heart?
“Let gratitude the monstrous thought
“Within thy breast control;
“And every noble impulse drive
“Such baseness from thy soul!
“Within thy breast control;
“And every noble impulse drive
“Such baseness from thy soul!
“No! tortur'd as this bosom is,
“Yet Edwy still shall be
“Virtuous, amidst the worst extremes
“Of all his misery!”
“Yet Edwy still shall be
“Virtuous, amidst the worst extremes
“Of all his misery!”
The generous purpose seems awhile
His anguish to appease;
And scatters through his bosom's gloom
A few bright rays of peace:
His anguish to appease;
And scatters through his bosom's gloom
A few bright rays of peace:
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For lovely innocence alone
The talent rare can know,
To lighten, with a radiant smile,
The dark abyss of woe.
The talent rare can know,
To lighten, with a radiant smile,
The dark abyss of woe.
But quick the momentary gleam
From Edwy's bosom fleets;
And Edbald, like a fiend of hell,
His wild idea meets.
From Edwy's bosom fleets;
And Edbald, like a fiend of hell,
His wild idea meets.
Frantic, he cries, “Can Edwy's soul
“That dreadful moment bear,
“When Edbald's bliss shall drive it on
“To tortures, and despair!
“That dreadful moment bear,
“When Edbald's bliss shall drive it on
“To tortures, and despair!
“Yet, why should this ungenerous heart
“Repine at Edbald's bliss?
“Why the poor wreck should that destroy
“Of Edwy's shatter'd peace?
“Repine at Edbald's bliss?
“Why the poor wreck should that destroy
“Of Edwy's shatter'd peace?
“His pow'r, his honours, wealth, and worth,
“His person, his high name;
“All, all, to sweet Edilda's hand
“A title large proclaim.
“His person, his high name;
“All, all, to sweet Edilda's hand
“A title large proclaim.
“Why, why then did my jealous soul,
“Vain to subdue his might,
“In secret seek the listed field,
“Beneath the mask of night?
“Vain to subdue his might,
“In secret seek the listed field,
“Beneath the mask of night?
“Did not that veil a purpose dark
“To every heart betray?
“Else why disguis'd should Edwy shun
“The tell-tale eye of day?
“To every heart betray?
“Else why disguis'd should Edwy shun
“The tell-tale eye of day?
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“Why, proudly, did I wish to shine
“In sweet Edilda's eyes?
“Why from her noble Suitor wish,
“Basely, to win the prize?
“In sweet Edilda's eyes?
“Why from her noble Suitor wish,
“Basely, to win the prize?
“Why does the bold ungenerous deed
“Not now displease my heart?
“And why the Warrior's sullied fame
“An envious joy impart?
“Not now displease my heart?
“And why the Warrior's sullied fame
“An envious joy impart?
“O let me haste from Galvan's court
“The spoiler to remove,
“That blights the wishes of his heart,
“And cankers Edbald's love!
“The spoiler to remove,
“That blights the wishes of his heart,
“And cankers Edbald's love!
“Then shall Edilda's kinder eye
“Her worthier lover bless;
“And noble Galvan's generous soul
“Its whole desire possess.
“Her worthier lover bless;
“And noble Galvan's generous soul
“Its whole desire possess.
“Yet once again, before my heart
“In solitude forlorn,
“Th'eternal loss of all it loves
“Shall unremitting mourn;
“In solitude forlorn,
“Th'eternal loss of all it loves
“Shall unremitting mourn;
“Yet once again, Edilda's charms
“Shall bless poor Edwy's sight,
“Before his eye-lids wish to close
“In everlasting night.
“Shall bless poor Edwy's sight,
“Before his eye-lids wish to close
“In everlasting night.
“O! may the Pow'rs above for her
“A happier lot prepare!
“O! may she ne'er, like Edwy, know
“To love, and to despair!”
“A happier lot prepare!
“O! may she ne'er, like Edwy, know
“To love, and to despair!”
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The hapless Youth in useless plaints,
Thus past the night away;
And rose, dispirited and pale,
At morn's returning ray.
Thus past the night away;
And rose, dispirited and pale,
At morn's returning ray.
In happier days, when halcyon peace
The gliding moments blest,
Nor Edwy kenn'd the lurking shaft
That rankled in his breast:
The gliding moments blest,
Nor Edwy kenn'd the lurking shaft
That rankled in his breast:
At times, beneath a blooming bow'r,
That hid the eye of day,
At sweet Edilda's bidding he
His tuneful pipe would play.
That hid the eye of day,
At sweet Edilda's bidding he
His tuneful pipe would play.
'Midst summer's heats Edilda still
The pastime much approv'd;
And who can doubt that what she lik'd
Th'empassion'd Edwy lov'd?
The pastime much approv'd;
And who can doubt that what she lik'd
Th'empassion'd Edwy lov'd?
A winding row of fringed elms
Led to the cool retreat,
Whose rugged trunks were circled by
The pea and woodbine sweet.
Led to the cool retreat,
Whose rugged trunks were circled by
The pea and woodbine sweet.
The bow'r itself, a little heav'n
Of various sweets compose,
Where jasmines and the fragrant brier
Would emulate the rose.
Of various sweets compose,
Where jasmines and the fragrant brier
Would emulate the rose.
Nor eglantines were wanting there,
Nor myrtles odorous green,
Which form'd a seemly contrast to
The flow'rs that blush'd between.
Nor myrtles odorous green,
Which form'd a seemly contrast to
The flow'rs that blush'd between.
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Sweet flowrets of a thousand dyes
Enamell'd thick the ground,
And with the bow'r's soft perfume vy'd
To scent the air around.
Enamell'd thick the ground,
And with the bow'r's soft perfume vy'd
To scent the air around.
Here each plum'd warbler of the grove
With envy stretch'd his throat,
To rival Edwy's dulcet strains,
With many a liquid note.
With envy stretch'd his throat,
To rival Edwy's dulcet strains,
With many a liquid note.
While the clear brook, that winding flow'd
Beside the calm retreat,
Its lulling gurglings join'd to form
A music strangely sweet.
Beside the calm retreat,
Its lulling gurglings join'd to form
A music strangely sweet.
Not Eden's self a fairer spot
Could boast 'midst all her bow'rs,
What time calm innocence repos'd
On beds of fragrant flow'rs.
Could boast 'midst all her bow'rs,
What time calm innocence repos'd
On beds of fragrant flow'rs.
The hapless Edwy, at the hour
Of fresh and dewy morn,
To this sequester'd spot his steps
Unweetingly did turn.
Of fresh and dewy morn,
To this sequester'd spot his steps
Unweetingly did turn.
Unweetingly his steps he turn'd;
For, lost in woe, his mind
Rul'd not his feet, which thitherward
From habitude inclin'd.
For, lost in woe, his mind
Rul'd not his feet, which thitherward
From habitude inclin'd.
Not so Edilda's, who had ris'n
At earliest dawn of day,
And to the bow'r with purpos'd step,
Had softly sped away.
At earliest dawn of day,
And to the bow'r with purpos'd step,
Had softly sped away.
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Unto her favourite bow'r she sped;
For there she thought alone,
Unseen, unheard, to drop the tear,
And heave th'unstinted groan.
For there she thought alone,
Unseen, unheard, to drop the tear,
And heave th'unstinted groan.
A sad constraint the evening past,
Her tender heart had found,
Which labour'd with a load of grief
Amidst the mirth around.
Her tender heart had found,
Which labour'd with a load of grief
Amidst the mirth around.
Each ardent glance of Edbald's eye.
Shot poison in her breast;
And new disgust deform'd each word
He tenderly address'd.
Shot poison in her breast;
And new disgust deform'd each word
He tenderly address'd.
But when the sounds of Edwy's praise
Ran murmuring through the hall,
The pulse that flutter'd in each vein,
Confess'd her bosom's thrall.
Ran murmuring through the hall,
The pulse that flutter'd in each vein,
Confess'd her bosom's thrall.
Too well she gather'd whence her heart
Such jarring passions move;
Felt those were born of bitter hate,
And these of gentle love.
Such jarring passions move;
Felt those were born of bitter hate,
And these of gentle love.
In vain, beneath the cope of night,
Her downy couch she press'd;
Long had it lost its silken pow'r
To seal her eyes in rest.
Her downy couch she press'd;
Long had it lost its silken pow'r
To seal her eyes in rest.
Yet still in silence she endur'd;
Nor, though she felt the smart,
Dar'd from her breast attempt to tear
The deep inflicted dart:
Nor, though she felt the smart,
Dar'd from her breast attempt to tear
The deep inflicted dart:
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So some poor wretch a barbed shaft
Bears from the mortal fray;
Yet from his bosom fears to draw
What drinks his life away.
Bears from the mortal fray;
Yet from his bosom fears to draw
What drinks his life away.
Upon th'enamell'd turf she lay,
Within the fragrant bow'r;
Of all the lovely flow'rs around,
Herself the loveliest flow'r.
Within the fragrant bow'r;
Of all the lovely flow'rs around,
Herself the loveliest flow'r.
Her loosen'd robes had careless left
Her bosom quite reveal'd,
Had not the tresses copious flow'd,
And half its snow conceal'd.
Her bosom quite reveal'd,
Had not the tresses copious flow'd,
And half its snow conceal'd.
Yet now and then a whispering breeze
O'er the light locks would blow,
Bewraying through their glossy threads
The paradise below.
O'er the light locks would blow,
Bewraying through their glossy threads
The paradise below.
Upon her elbow pensively
The beauteous maiden leant;
Her lily hand upheld her head:
The while her eyes were bent
The beauteous maiden leant;
Her lily hand upheld her head:
The while her eyes were bent
Upon the fatal book, which still
In one well-noted place,
With hapless Edwy's frequent tears,
All stain'd and blotted was.
In one well-noted place,
With hapless Edwy's frequent tears,
All stain'd and blotted was.
And as the dear yet dreaded page
Her sad eyes ponder'd o'er,
A thousand tears would quickly fall,
Where one had fall'n before.
Her sad eyes ponder'd o'er,
A thousand tears would quickly fall,
Where one had fall'n before.
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Upon the moment, Edwy's feet
Approach'd the weeping Fair;
And much his wonder was to see
Her beauties resting there.
Approach'd the weeping Fair;
And much his wonder was to see
Her beauties resting there.
A thousand wild and clashing thoughts
His beating bosom move,
Divided 'twixt desire and fear,
'Twixt reverence and love.
His beating bosom move,
Divided 'twixt desire and fear,
'Twixt reverence and love.
But what affliction rives his heart,
When the sweet maid appears,
As nigh he steals, with faded cheek,
And all dissolv'd in tears!
When the sweet maid appears,
As nigh he steals, with faded cheek,
And all dissolv'd in tears!
What strong emotions heav'd his breast!
As movingly she cry'd,
“Ere Edwy came, O! would to God,
“Edilda, thou hadst dy'd!”
As movingly she cry'd,
“Ere Edwy came, O! would to God,
“Edilda, thou hadst dy'd!”
No more his agonizing heart
Its passions could command,
Before her feet he cast him down;
And while he touch'd her hand,
Its passions could command,
Before her feet he cast him down;
And while he touch'd her hand,
“O! would to God,” he sobbing cry'd,
“That Edwy on his bier
“Had cold been stretch'd, or ere he cost
“Those lovely eyes one tear!”
“That Edwy on his bier
“Had cold been stretch'd, or ere he cost
“Those lovely eyes one tear!”
Astonish'd to behold the youth,
Edilda instant rose;
Blushing, as when the dewy morn
With humid lustre glows.
Edilda instant rose;
Blushing, as when the dewy morn
With humid lustre glows.
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And as the pearly drops that fell
Down her warm cheek, she dry'd;
With sweet, but yet majestic air,
Thus gracefully reply'd:
Down her warm cheek, she dry'd;
With sweet, but yet majestic air,
Thus gracefully reply'd:
“Rise, Edwy! rise, unhappy Youth!
“And since by chance alone,
“My tongue impell'd, hath weetless made
“My guarded passion known;
“And since by chance alone,
“My tongue impell'd, hath weetless made
“My guarded passion known;
“Edilda scorns beneath deceit
“Her sentiments to hide;
“Nor would a refuge meanly seek,
“From bashfulness, or pride.
“Her sentiments to hide;
“Nor would a refuge meanly seek,
“From bashfulness, or pride.
“Yes, Edwy, yes, this throbbing heart
“Feels all thy merits rare;
“Upon this bosom all thy charms
“Too deeply graven are.
“Feels all thy merits rare;
“Upon this bosom all thy charms
“Too deeply graven are.
“Yet, if Edilda well thou know'st,
“A thought will never be
“Inspir'd of this, unworthy her,
“Nor yet unworthy thee.
“A thought will never be
“Inspir'd of this, unworthy her,
“Nor yet unworthy thee.
“Then fearless tell the tender tale
“That throbs within thy breast;
“So, with the temper of thy love,
“Its worth shall stand confess'd.
“That throbs within thy breast;
“So, with the temper of thy love,
“Its worth shall stand confess'd.
“O! much Edilda's thoughts have err'd,
“If aught is there conceal'd,
“That to the world's malignant eye
“Might dread to be reveal'd.”
“If aught is there conceal'd,
“That to the world's malignant eye
“Might dread to be reveal'd.”
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“Transcendant Maid!” the Youth return'd,
“There wanted only this
“Quite to destroy the poor remains
“Of wretched Edwy's bliss!
“There wanted only this
“Quite to destroy the poor remains
“Of wretched Edwy's bliss!
“Alas! had Love his deadly shaft
“Fix'd in this breast alone;
“It still, amidst my sharpest pangs,
“A gleam of joy had known.
“Fix'd in this breast alone;
“It still, amidst my sharpest pangs,
“A gleam of joy had known.
“At distance, still my soul had dwelt
“On sweet Edilda's bliss;
“And from her day of joy deriv'd
“Some glimmerings of peace.
“On sweet Edilda's bliss;
“And from her day of joy deriv'd
“Some glimmerings of peace.
“Yes, noble Maid, from the first hour
“These eyes beheld thy charms,
“My beating bosom deeply felt
“The force of love's alarms.
“These eyes beheld thy charms,
“My beating bosom deeply felt
“The force of love's alarms.
“Yet unexperienc'd as I was,
“I knew not my own heart,
“Till lynx-ey'd jealousy at length
“Betray'd the lurking dart.
“I knew not my own heart,
“Till lynx-ey'd jealousy at length
“Betray'd the lurking dart.
“From that sad moment was my soul
“A prey to dire despair,
“The while my alter'd cheek confess'd
“Some mischief struggled there.
“A prey to dire despair,
“The while my alter'd cheek confess'd
“Some mischief struggled there.
“Alas! 't was this, and this alone,
“The purpose wild could move,
“To rend from noble Edbald's hand
“The envied prize of Love.
“The purpose wild could move,
“To rend from noble Edbald's hand
“The envied prize of Love.
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“But when upon my secret bed
“My motives lay reveal'd;
“Nor longer could my inmost soul
“Be from my eye conceal'd:
“My motives lay reveal'd;
“Nor longer could my inmost soul
“Be from my eye conceal'd:
“Then, then, my jealousy show'd rank
“Beneath the conscious night;
“And all my mad presumption stood
“Confess'd before my sight.
“Beneath the conscious night;
“And all my mad presumption stood
“Confess'd before my sight.
“And whilst ingratitude and art,
“With envy, dark and foul,
“Too plain I saw, their dwelling had
“In my polluted soul;
“With envy, dark and foul,
“Too plain I saw, their dwelling had
“In my polluted soul;
“With horror struck, I firmly swore
“The spoiler to remove,
“That blasted noble Galvan's peace,
“And canker'd Edbald's love.
“The spoiler to remove,
“That blasted noble Galvan's peace,
“And canker'd Edbald's love.
“Hence have my steps bewilder'd trod,
“At morning's dewy hour;
“And hence, unweetingly they stray'd
“Beside this fragrant bow'r.
“At morning's dewy hour;
“And hence, unweetingly they stray'd
“Beside this fragrant bow'r.
“O! never more beneath its shade
“Shall happy Edwy play
“With jocund pipe, at thy behest,
“The noontide hour away!
“Shall happy Edwy play
“With jocund pipe, at thy behest,
“The noontide hour away!
“Nor ever at the close of eve,
“By fair Edilda's side,
“Shall Edwy swell, to mate her voice,
“His notes, with mickle pride!
“By fair Edilda's side,
“Shall Edwy swell, to mate her voice,
“His notes, with mickle pride!
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“The hours of peace for ever fled!
“To rocks and woods alone
“His grief shall flow; and there, at last,
“In peace shall lay him down.
“To rocks and woods alone
“His grief shall flow; and there, at last,
“In peace shall lay him down.
“Yet 'midst the throes of fell despair,
“His heart a joy would prove,
“To know thy bosom felt no more
“The pangs of hopeless love.”
“His heart a joy would prove,
“To know thy bosom felt no more
“The pangs of hopeless love.”
His tears and sighs now choak'd his speech,
The while Edilda's soul
Its vast conflicting passions seem'd
Unequal to control.
The while Edilda's soul
Its vast conflicting passions seem'd
Unequal to control.
At length with fervour she reply'd,
While down her lovely face,
The silent tears, in bursting drops,
Each other swiftly chase:
While down her lovely face,
The silent tears, in bursting drops,
Each other swiftly chase:
“Nobly hath Edwy to my soul
“His worthiness approv'd;
“And justify'd Edilda's heart,
“In stooping, where it lov'd.
“His worthiness approv'd;
“And justify'd Edilda's heart,
“In stooping, where it lov'd.
“Yes, Edwy! now, with pride, my tongue
“Its passion shall confess,
“Though that ill-fated passion sure
“No fav'ring star will bless!
“Its passion shall confess,
“Though that ill-fated passion sure
“No fav'ring star will bless!
“For well my noble Father's worth,
“Yet well his pride I know;
“Full well I ken the debt to him,
“And to myself I owe.
“Yet well his pride I know;
“Full well I ken the debt to him,
“And to myself I owe.
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“He never in the hour of care
“Shall curse Edilda's name,
“For sullying, with unequal bands,
“The lustre of his fame.
“Shall curse Edilda's name,
“For sullying, with unequal bands,
“The lustre of his fame.
“Nor shall his blood, so highly priz'd,
“I swear by duty! be,
“Whatever misery is my doom,
“Dishonour'd first in me.
“I swear by duty! be,
“Whatever misery is my doom,
“Dishonour'd first in me.
“Yet think not thy Edilda's heart
“Inconstant e'er will prove;
“Think not this bosom can abjure
“Who warm'd it first to love.
“Inconstant e'er will prove;
“Think not this bosom can abjure
“Who warm'd it first to love.
“Never shall haughty Edbald's ear
“This soft confession know;
“Nor ever at the altar's foot,
“To Hymen will I bow.
“This soft confession know;
“Nor ever at the altar's foot,
“To Hymen will I bow.
“Enough is given to cruel pride,
“And duty too severe;
“No rival ever shall supplant
“Thy lovely image here.”
“And duty too severe;
“No rival ever shall supplant
“Thy lovely image here.”
She ceas'd. He, sighing, thus return'd:
“Exalted, generous Fair!
“The tribute thou would'st pay my love,
“Far too exalted were.
“Exalted, generous Fair!
“The tribute thou would'st pay my love,
“Far too exalted were.
“Recall thy vow: Thy Father's years
“Let thy fair offspring charm;
“And may their growing virtues long
“His aged bosom warm.
“Let thy fair offspring charm;
“And may their growing virtues long
“His aged bosom warm.
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“O! let not, for a wretch like me,
“A race so noble cease;
“O! lay thy Father's silver hairs
“Within the grave in peace!
“A race so noble cease;
“O! lay thy Father's silver hairs
“Within the grave in peace!
“I ask but this!—to kiss thy hand
“Before I wretched go
“For ever hence!—Soft, she reply'd,
“Fond lovers part not so.
“Before I wretched go
“For ever hence!—Soft, she reply'd,
“Fond lovers part not so.
“Upon my lips thy last adieus
“Most freely shalt thou seal;
“And on these faithful lips, till death,
“Those dear adieus shall dwell.
“Most freely shalt thou seal;
“And on these faithful lips, till death,
“Those dear adieus shall dwell.
“In vain thy gentle, generous soul
“My fix'd resolves would move:
“No other tongue shall charm my ear,
“Or sooth my heart to love.”
“My fix'd resolves would move:
“No other tongue shall charm my ear,
“Or sooth my heart to love.”
On her soft lips the trembling lips
Of Edwy gently dwell;
And thence with many a pressure sweet,
Take many a sweet farewel.
Of Edwy gently dwell;
And thence with many a pressure sweet,
Take many a sweet farewel.
“Thou darling youth,” she weeping cry'd,
“Why should we ever part?
“But it must be; yet still with thee
“Shall dwell Edilda's heart.”
“Why should we ever part?
“But it must be; yet still with thee
“Shall dwell Edilda's heart.”
Then mingling kisses, tears, and sighs,
One last adieu they take,
And from each other's circling arms,
In speechless sorrow break.
One last adieu they take,
And from each other's circling arms,
In speechless sorrow break.
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Unto her couch, half dead with grief,
The sweet Edilda stole;
And there in private utter'd all
The anguish of her soul.
The sweet Edilda stole;
And there in private utter'd all
The anguish of her soul.
Poor Edwy by a different path
Fast to his chamber hies;
And there awhile upon his bed,
Absorb'd in sorrow, lies.
Fast to his chamber hies;
And there awhile upon his bed,
Absorb'd in sorrow, lies.
At length a chosen friend he seeks,
And to his faithful breast,
With many a pity-moving sigh,
His wretched state confess'd.
And to his faithful breast,
With many a pity-moving sigh,
His wretched state confess'd.
Then begs a rough disguise, ere morn,
His friendship would supply;
In which, unheeded, he might pass
From every prying eye.
His friendship would supply;
In which, unheeded, he might pass
From every prying eye.
For ere the silent shades of night
Were wholly past away,
He meant from noble Galvan's court
Eternally to stray.
Were wholly past away,
He meant from noble Galvan's court
Eternally to stray.
A letter too he prays his friend
Would give to Galvan's hand,
What time he aught of Edwy's health
Should on the morn demand.
Would give to Galvan's hand,
What time he aught of Edwy's health
Should on the morn demand.
For still the grateful Baron's heart
Had shown affection fair
To the sad youth, and made his health
The subject of his care.
Had shown affection fair
To the sad youth, and made his health
The subject of his care.
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The generous Osred freely swore,
His friendship would fulfil,
With care exact, the utmost scope
Of honour'd Edwy's will.
His friendship would fulfil,
With care exact, the utmost scope
Of honour'd Edwy's will.
And much his fortune he deplores,
And much laments to see
His fair estate so soon destroy'd
By Love's severe decree.
And much laments to see
His fair estate so soon destroy'd
By Love's severe decree.
For Galvan now the hapless youth,
With trembling hand, prepares
This sad epistle, which he bath'd,
While writing, with his tears:
With trembling hand, prepares
This sad epistle, which he bath'd,
While writing, with his tears:
“From Galvan's court, by fortune hard,
“For ever forc'd to wend;
“O! let not Galvan's gen'rous soul
“The strange resolve offend.
“For ever forc'd to wend;
“O! let not Galvan's gen'rous soul
“The strange resolve offend.
“Nor let his kindness ever seek
“The cause of Edwy's woe;
“Which fits not, or his pen to write,
“Nor Galvan's heart to know.
“The cause of Edwy's woe;
“Which fits not, or his pen to write,
“Nor Galvan's heart to know.
“Yet 'midst the shades of solitude,
“And pangs of wild despair,
“A grateful sense of Galvan's love
“Shall Edwy's bosom bear.
“And pangs of wild despair,
“A grateful sense of Galvan's love
“Shall Edwy's bosom bear.
“Nor from that love, nor these bless'd seats,
“Would Edwy e'er depart;
“But that he dreads to plunge a sword
“In noble Galvan's heart.
“Would Edwy e'er depart;
“But that he dreads to plunge a sword
“In noble Galvan's heart.
69
“O! may that godlike heart ne'er feel
“The pangs of deep distress;
“But from the gracious hand of Heaven
“Its whole desire possess!”
“The pangs of deep distress;
“But from the gracious hand of Heaven
“Its whole desire possess!”
Scarce was the cruel task perform'd,
Ere one his chamber sought;
Who from the aged Warrior's self
This friendly message brought:
Ere one his chamber sought;
Who from the aged Warrior's self
This friendly message brought:
“The gallant Edwy, well belov'd,
“May every good befal!
“His presence much doth Galvan wish
“To grace the mirthful hall.”
“May every good befal!
“His presence much doth Galvan wish
“To grace the mirthful hall.”
“All honour to the noble Lord,”
The sighing youth return'd;
And his forc'd absence from the hall
By adverse sickness mourn'd.
The sighing youth return'd;
And his forc'd absence from the hall
By adverse sickness mourn'd.
The answer all unwelcome was
To generous Galvan's ear;
And much the sickly youth he wail'd
To all that round him were.
To generous Galvan's ear;
And much the sickly youth he wail'd
To all that round him were.
From thence occasion fair he took,
Upon th'ensuing morn,
To wish the pleasures of the chase,
With merry hound and horn;
Upon th'ensuing morn,
To wish the pleasures of the chase,
With merry hound and horn;
To wish the pleasures of the chase,
Within the self-same wood,
Where first he in his deep distress
The gallant Shepherd view'd.
Within the self-same wood,
Where first he in his deep distress
The gallant Shepherd view'd.
70
For still the spot, with mickle pride,
The Noble lov'd to trace;
And to his honour'd guest would fain
Bewray the noted place.
The Noble lov'd to trace;
And to his honour'd guest would fain
Bewray the noted place.
The fair Edilda, too, he vows,
To pleasure Edbald's heart,
Shall in the coming morning's sports
Bear an unwonted part.
To pleasure Edbald's heart,
Shall in the coming morning's sports
Bear an unwonted part.
Nor she dissents; for oft her breast
A secret wish had held,
To view the spot where Edwy's hand
The furious wolf had quell'd.
A secret wish had held,
To view the spot where Edwy's hand
The furious wolf had quell'd.
What, though for ever from her sight
The Youth was forc'd to fly?
She knew the place that grac'd his name
Must gratify her eye.
The Youth was forc'd to fly?
She knew the place that grac'd his name
Must gratify her eye.
Meantime the trusty Osred's hand
The rustic garb prepares;
Which to his friend, with falling night,
Though loth, he safely bears.
The rustic garb prepares;
Which to his friend, with falling night,
Though loth, he safely bears.
Just as her sable veil was ting'd
With twilight's sober ray,
Clad like a goatherd, with his pipe
Poor Edwy stole away.
With twilight's sober ray,
Clad like a goatherd, with his pipe
Poor Edwy stole away.
His favour high, and fortunes fair,
Fair robes, and arms, forsakes;
Save that beneath his homely coat
The valued sword he takes.
Fair robes, and arms, forsakes;
Save that beneath his homely coat
The valued sword he takes.
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For what was favour now to him?
Or what his fortunes fair?
Edilda lost! the world had been
No object worth his care.
Or what his fortunes fair?
Edilda lost! the world had been
No object worth his care.
From noble Galvan's lofty gate
Reluctantly he wends;
And to the aged Hilda's farm
His heavy travel bends.
Reluctantly he wends;
And to the aged Hilda's farm
His heavy travel bends.
For still to Hilda, 'midst his state,
All honour he had paid;
Nor had his heart with fortune's smiles,
From duty ever stray'd.
All honour he had paid;
Nor had his heart with fortune's smiles,
From duty ever stray'd.
And though he wish'd to wander far
From scenes of former bliss,
He meant to pause till silent death
Had seal'd her eyes in peace.
From scenes of former bliss,
He meant to pause till silent death
Had seal'd her eyes in peace.
Not long the Sun's refulgent beams
Had gladden'd Nature's face,
Ere wretched Edwy's weary feet
Their native woodlands trace.
Had gladden'd Nature's face,
Ere wretched Edwy's weary feet
Their native woodlands trace.
Then as the steepy rock he view'd
That nodded o'er the plain,
Where he was wont, in happier days,
To pipe his careless strain;
That nodded o'er the plain,
Where he was wont, in happier days,
To pipe his careless strain;
A thousand fond ideas rush
Upon his lab'ring soul;
And for a while, with magic power,
His wandering steps control.
Upon his lab'ring soul;
And for a while, with magic power,
His wandering steps control.
72
“Ah! would to God my heart,” he cry'd,
“A joy had never known,
“Passing what yon sequester'd shade
“And steepy rock have shown!
“A joy had never known,
“Passing what yon sequester'd shade
“And steepy rock have shown!
“Ah! would to God, with calm content,
“I thither now could stray;
“And, reckless of the pangs of love,
“Pass with my pipe the day!
“I thither now could stray;
“And, reckless of the pangs of love,
“Pass with my pipe the day!
“E'en yet, forlorn as Edwy is,
“His steps once more shall trace,
“And weary body rest once more
“Upon the well-known place.”
“His steps once more shall trace,
“And weary body rest once more
“Upon the well-known place.”
So some unhappy spright at times
From its dark prison wends,
And to the scenes of former bliss
Its course at midnight bends.
From its dark prison wends,
And to the scenes of former bliss
Its course at midnight bends.
But vainly Edwy strives to rest
Beneath the once-lov'd shade;
The pleasant spot his grief had now
A dreary desert made.
Beneath the once-lov'd shade;
The pleasant spot his grief had now
A dreary desert made.
Ah! deadly potency of grief,
Which every object fair,
'Gainst Nature, its own gloomy face
Can still compel to wear!
Which every object fair,
'Gainst Nature, its own gloomy face
Can still compel to wear!
Not long the hapless youth had wept
Beneath the beeches shade,
Ere oft-repeated shrieks he heard
Re-echo through the glade.
Beneath the beeches shade,
Ere oft-repeated shrieks he heard
Re-echo through the glade.
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Sunk as he was in bitter woe,
Yet still his generous heart
Was ready, when distress implor'd,
Its succour to impart.
Yet still his generous heart
Was ready, when distress implor'd,
Its succour to impart.
Instant he rushes to the path
That opens through the wood;
Ah! what a spectacle of woe
His eyes that instant view'd!
That opens through the wood;
Ah! what a spectacle of woe
His eyes that instant view'd!
A fiery courser from her seat
A lady gay had thrown;
Who hanging by the tender foot,
He dragg'd remorseless on.
A lady gay had thrown;
Who hanging by the tender foot,
He dragg'd remorseless on.
And while he furious drove between
The thick surrounding wood,
Her pallid face, and flowing hair,
Were all imbru'd with blood.
The thick surrounding wood,
Her pallid face, and flowing hair,
Were all imbru'd with blood.
A sight so sad the hardest heart
Had sure to pity turn'd;
What then did Edwy's feel, which still
Had with the mourner mourn'd?
Had sure to pity turn'd;
What then did Edwy's feel, which still
Had with the mourner mourn'd?
As quick as thought he cross'd and check'd
The wild impetuous steed,
And from her dreadful bondage soon
The hopeless lady freed.
The wild impetuous steed,
And from her dreadful bondage soon
The hopeless lady freed.
But sure th'emotions of his soul
No language can express,
When all Edilda's charms appear'd
Upon the fair-one's face!
No language can express,
When all Edilda's charms appear'd
Upon the fair-one's face!
74
Nor less did her astonish'd heart
With pow'rful feelings beat,
When in a goatherd's garb she saw
Young Edwy at her feet.
With pow'rful feelings beat,
When in a goatherd's garb she saw
Young Edwy at her feet.
Upon his breast her lovely head
He laid with tender care,
And trembling wip'd away the blood
That soil'd her face and hair:
He laid with tender care,
And trembling wip'd away the blood
That soil'd her face and hair:
And while he wip'd the clotted gore,
Almost expir'd with fear!
Lest underneath some deadly gash
Should suddenly appear.
Almost expir'd with fear!
Lest underneath some deadly gash
Should suddenly appear.
But though full many a ruthless bruise
And bleeding scratch he found;
His heart was comforted to learn
There was no mortal wound.
And bleeding scratch he found;
His heart was comforted to learn
There was no mortal wound.
With sweet confusion, fear, and love,
The blushing Beauty lay,
And seem'd on Edwy's panting breast
To sigh her soul away.
The blushing Beauty lay,
And seem'd on Edwy's panting breast
To sigh her soul away.
And while he gently sooth'd her soul,
“O! would to God,” she said,
“That Edwy was of noble birth,
“Or I some lowly maid!
“O! would to God,” she said,
“That Edwy was of noble birth,
“Or I some lowly maid!
“O! would to God this throbbing heart
“Its gratitude could prove,
“And show it values not the world
“Compar'd with Edwy's love!”
“Its gratitude could prove,
“And show it values not the world
“Compar'd with Edwy's love!”
75
Just as the words escap'd her lips,
From out a thicket by,
The haughty Edbald fiercely rush'd
With peril in his eye.
From out a thicket by,
The haughty Edbald fiercely rush'd
With peril in his eye.
“Die, base-born slave!” he scornful cry'd,
“Who dar'st exalt thine eyes
“To what the monarchs of the earth
“Might deem a noble prize!”
“Who dar'st exalt thine eyes
“To what the monarchs of the earth
“Might deem a noble prize!”
Then at the Youth, surpris'd, unarm'd,
His spear he basely push'd;
But miss'd his aim, while on his throat
The nimble Edwy rush'd.
His spear he basely push'd;
But miss'd his aim, while on his throat
The nimble Edwy rush'd.
Quick with a strenuous griping hand
He wrench'd the spear away,
Then spurn'd him back, and at his feet
The furious Edbald lay.
He wrench'd the spear away,
Then spurn'd him back, and at his feet
The furious Edbald lay.
And while with scorn above his head
He shook the glittering spear;
“Proud Lord,” he cried, “my arm ere this
“Has laid thee prostrate there.
He shook the glittering spear;
“Proud Lord,” he cried, “my arm ere this
“Has laid thee prostrate there.
“Nay, as a voucher for the deed,
“Behold this valued sword!
“So shall not mine, like thine, appear
“An empty vaunter's word.”
“Behold this valued sword!
“So shall not mine, like thine, appear
“An empty vaunter's word.”
But now Edilda's piercing shrieks
Had echoed through the wood,
And met her noble Father's ear,
Who fast the sounds pursu'd.
Had echoed through the wood,
And met her noble Father's ear,
Who fast the sounds pursu'd.
76
Fast he the thrilling sounds pursu'd
With anguish in his breast,
For by her cries he knew the maid
Full sorely was distress'd.
With anguish in his breast,
For by her cries he knew the maid
Full sorely was distress'd.
But who can speak his vast surprise,
When groveling on the ground,
Beneath a lowly goatherd's feet,
The fiery Earl he found?
When groveling on the ground,
Beneath a lowly goatherd's feet,
The fiery Earl he found?
Who can his wonder speak, when now,
Beneath the rough disguise,
The much-lov'd Edwy's well-known face
Appears before his eyes?
Beneath the rough disguise,
The much-lov'd Edwy's well-known face
Appears before his eyes?
To meet his steps with timid look
The blushing Shepherd came;
Nor was that blush the offspring base
Of trembling guilt or shame.
The blushing Shepherd came;
Nor was that blush the offspring base
Of trembling guilt or shame.
For well he wote a heavy charge
Earl Edbald would prepare,
With vengeance fill'd, and jealous hate,
To win the Warrior's ear.
Earl Edbald would prepare,
With vengeance fill'd, and jealous hate,
To win the Warrior's ear.
And who not kens that virtuous minds
Awake to noble fame,
Prize far before this spark of life
A bright and spotless name?
Awake to noble fame,
Prize far before this spark of life
A bright and spotless name?
But lo! before his lips could ope,
His foe impatient cries;
“If Galvan cares for Edbald's love,
“That specious villain dies.
His foe impatient cries;
“If Galvan cares for Edbald's love,
“That specious villain dies.
77
“Here, underneath the secret shade,
“Upon his base-born breast,
“I saw that cold, that scornful Maid,
“Her head impassion'd rest.
“Upon his base-born breast,
“I saw that cold, that scornful Maid,
“Her head impassion'd rest.
“Who but must know this dark disguise
“Was for the purpose made?
“Who but must know for this she fled
“With art to seek the shade?
“Was for the purpose made?
“Who but must know for this she fled
“With art to seek the shade?
“And whilst her soft deceitful tongue
“Its tender love express'd,
“The villain saw, and aim'd a sword,
“Insidious, at my breast.
“Its tender love express'd,
“The villain saw, and aim'd a sword,
“Insidious, at my breast.
“Astonish'd at a scene so strange,
“A vantage great he found,
“And laid me with a sudden blow
“Unwarn'd upon the ground.
“A vantage great he found,
“And laid me with a sudden blow
“Unwarn'd upon the ground.
“Nay, had not in a lucky hour
“The noble Galvan came,
“His sword had buried in my breast
“At once their love and shame.”
“The noble Galvan came,
“His sword had buried in my breast
“At once their love and shame.”
More had he said, but that his speech,
With quick indignant eye,
With burning cheek, and mingled air
Of scorn and dignity,
With quick indignant eye,
With burning cheek, and mingled air
Of scorn and dignity,
The fair Edilda sudden here
With interruption cross'd:
“Base man!” she cried, “to truth, to shame,
“To honour, wholly lost.
With interruption cross'd:
“Base man!” she cried, “to truth, to shame,
“To honour, wholly lost.
78
“As far above thy calumny
“Shall Edwy's virtues shine,
“As his pure soul superior is
“To such a soul as thine.
“Shall Edwy's virtues shine,
“As his pure soul superior is
“To such a soul as thine.
“Thus wrong'd, deceit and dread I scorn;
“Then let my Father's ear,
“Let all the world in witness stand,
“To what I loud declare:
“Then let my Father's ear,
“Let all the world in witness stand,
“To what I loud declare:
“Yes, long I've lov'd this gallant Youth,
“And still his heart shall be
“Above the greatest monarch's vows,
“Cherish'd and priz'd by me.
“And still his heart shall be
“Above the greatest monarch's vows,
“Cherish'd and priz'd by me.
“Yet never till the morn foregone
“The love within her breast,
“Conceal'd with care, Edilda's tongue
“To Edwy's heart confess'd.
“The love within her breast,
“Conceal'd with care, Edilda's tongue
“To Edwy's heart confess'd.
“Nor then the virtuous youth had kenn'd
“The dart that rankled there,
“Had not unthought-of chance betray'd
“The secret to his ear.
“The dart that rankled there,
“Had not unthought-of chance betray'd
“The secret to his ear.
“Yet fancy not Edilda's soul,
“By passion blindly sway'd,
“A daughter's duty to her love
“The sacrifice has made.
“By passion blindly sway'd,
“A daughter's duty to her love
“The sacrifice has made.
“No sooner were her thoughts reveal'd,
“Than she resolv'd to prove
“The bitt'rest sorrows that could flow
“From disappointed love.
“Than she resolv'd to prove
“The bitt'rest sorrows that could flow
“From disappointed love.
79
“For Galvan's fame, and noble blood,
“I swear shall never be,
“Whatever misery is my doom,
“Dishonour'd first in me.
“I swear shall never be,
“Whatever misery is my doom,
“Dishonour'd first in me.
“Nor did the generous Edwy strive
“To win with guile my heart;
“Nor breathe one wish Edilda's soul
“From duty should depart.
“To win with guile my heart;
“Nor breathe one wish Edilda's soul
“From duty should depart.
“Hence in disguise this morn he left
“His favour, fortunes, fame;
“Grateful and virtuous, freely hence
“An outcast he became.
“His favour, fortunes, fame;
“Grateful and virtuous, freely hence
“An outcast he became.
“Hence hap'ly wand'ring through this wood,
“He saw my wretched meed;
“And hence to save my threaten'd life
“Flew with an angel's speed.
“He saw my wretched meed;
“And hence to save my threaten'd life
“Flew with an angel's speed.
“Witness these bruises and this blood
“That still my bosom stain;
“Nay, witnes thou ignoble Lord,
“Base author of my pain.
“That still my bosom stain;
“Nay, witnes thou ignoble Lord,
“Base author of my pain.
“And well thou know'st the gentle youth
“Sought not the mortal strife;
“Know'st well, he baffled thy base arm,
“But to preserve his life.
“Sought not the mortal strife;
“Know'st well, he baffled thy base arm,
“But to preserve his life.
“But in her Father's presence now
“His injur'd daughter swears
“(And well he knows her dauntless soul
“His truth and firmness bears),
“His injur'd daughter swears
“(And well he knows her dauntless soul
“His truth and firmness bears),
80
“That sooner shall the cruel hawk
“Mate with the gentle dove,
“Than e'er this bosom shall incline
“To favour Edbald's love.
“Mate with the gentle dove,
“Than e'er this bosom shall incline
“To favour Edbald's love.
“In this alone a father's will,
“His force, nay tears, I'll brave,
“Edilda's prostituted vows
“No husband e'er shall have.”
“His force, nay tears, I'll brave,
“Edilda's prostituted vows
“No husband e'er shall have.”
The generous Beauty ended here;
And on her ardent tongue
Her Father's ear with wonder, grief,
And deep attention, hung.
And on her ardent tongue
Her Father's ear with wonder, grief,
And deep attention, hung.
He knew her noble nature well,
And well her honour knew;
Nor doubted once the candid tale
Her lips had spoke was true.
And well her honour knew;
Nor doubted once the candid tale
Her lips had spoke was true.
To Edwy now he frowning turn'd,
And with a smother'd sigh
Ask'd “What to Edbald's heavy charge
“He justly could reply?”
And with a smother'd sigh
Ask'd “What to Edbald's heavy charge
“He justly could reply?”
“Thy gracious Daughter,” he return'd,
“For Edwy hath reply'd,
“With truth her lips the charge against
“His honour have deny'd.
“For Edwy hath reply'd,
“With truth her lips the charge against
“His honour have deny'd.
“If to have lov'd her be a crime;
“Or if to love her still
“While life remains, a crime can be,
“Your vengeance now fulfil.
“Or if to love her still
“While life remains, a crime can be,
“Your vengeance now fulfil.
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“And while my weary life you take,
“From length of misery,
“Believe, my Lord, your bounteous hand
“Will only set me free.
“From length of misery,
“Believe, my Lord, your bounteous hand
“Will only set me free.
“Yet this my outrag'd honour asks,
“From noble Osred's hand,
“Let my good Lord, when I am dead,
“A few sad lines demand.
“From noble Osred's hand,
“Let my good Lord, when I am dead,
“A few sad lines demand.
“Those few sad lines my pen alone
“To Galvan's eye address'd,
“And those, without disguise, will show
“The purpose of my breast.”
“To Galvan's eye address'd,
“And those, without disguise, will show
“The purpose of my breast.”
“Whate'er thy guilt,” the Noble cried,
“Forbid it, gracious Heaven!
“This thankless hand should spill his blood,
“By whom my life was given.
“Forbid it, gracious Heaven!
“This thankless hand should spill his blood,
“By whom my life was given.
“Yet on thy peril from my court
“For ever far remove;
“Nor let thy soul dare lift a thought
“To such unequal love.
“For ever far remove;
“Nor let thy soul dare lift a thought
“To such unequal love.
“But griev'd is Galvan to pronounce,
“That noble Edbald's heart
“Must now, by adverse fate impell'd,
“From what it wish'd depart.
“That noble Edbald's heart
“Must now, by adverse fate impell'd,
“From what it wish'd depart.
“Galvan nor doubts but Edbald's tongue
“The thought within his breast,
“By outward circumstance misled,
“Sincerely hath express'd.
“The thought within his breast,
“By outward circumstance misled,
“Sincerely hath express'd.
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“But since Edilda's heart has stoop'd
“To prize a vassal's vows;
“And nought but slight and bitter hate
“On worthy love bestows;
“To prize a vassal's vows;
“And nought but slight and bitter hate
“On worthy love bestows;
“Let high-born Edbald's better thoughts
“Her worthless beauties scorn;
“And quick to heal his wounded peace
“To Egbert's court return.”
“Her worthless beauties scorn;
“And quick to heal his wounded peace
“To Egbert's court return.”
The haughty Earl no answer gave,
With rage his bosom burn'd,
With sullen shame and vengeance, while
With Galvan he return'd.
With rage his bosom burn'd,
With sullen shame and vengeance, while
With Galvan he return'd.
With noble Galvan he return'd,
And with Edilda fair,
Silent and sad: and at the hall,
When all alighted were,
And with Edilda fair,
Silent and sad: and at the hall,
When all alighted were,
Each to a several chamber went,
To ponder o'er alone
The various chances which the peace
Of each had overthrown.
To ponder o'er alone
The various chances which the peace
Of each had overthrown.
Yet not a heart in Galvan's court
But Edwy's fortunes mourn'd;
Nor was there one but griev'd to see
His haughty foe return'd.
But Edwy's fortunes mourn'd;
Nor was there one but griev'd to see
His haughty foe return'd.
And much they pray'd some stroke of fate
Might still propitious prove,
To crown the sweet Edilda's wish,
And prosper Edwy's love.
Might still propitious prove,
To crown the sweet Edilda's wish,
And prosper Edwy's love.
| Edwy and Edilda, a tale, in five parts | |