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Young Arthur

Or, The Child of Mystery: A Metrical Romance, by C. Dibdin

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ERNEST'S LAMENT IN PRISON.

Scanty, thro' yon iron grating,
Gleams the light, and shows to me
(Cheering not but irritating)
All that adds to misery!
What to me were fame and glory?
Soon my sun shall setting be;
Who shall tell the mournful story
To the hearts that bleed for me?
Why, from truth and duty parting,
Did I leave to misery
(From my post a truant starting)
Hearts that vainly hope for me?

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Hark! that voice—I'm call'd to trial—
Guiltless, shame my end shall be;
Seeming guilt gives hope denial—
Hark! the headsman asks for me!