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 V.
But sweet the cares which love had blent
With joy, in Edwy's breast;
Far other than the deadly pangs
That broke Edilda's rest.
With joy, in Edwy's breast;
Far other than the deadly pangs
That broke Edilda's rest.
Within her gentle bosom, hope
Withdrew her genial ray;
And sorrow sat triumphant there,
And frown'd the smiles away.
Withdrew her genial ray;
And sorrow sat triumphant there,
And frown'd the smiles away.
Yet still amidst her deep distress,
Her self-approving thought,
To ward the horrors of despair,
Its lenient soothings brought.
Her self-approving thought,
To ward the horrors of despair,
Its lenient soothings brought.
And though she ween'd her hapless heart
With hopeless misery strove;
Still virtue rose with every pant,
Though every pant was love.
With hopeless misery strove;
Still virtue rose with every pant,
Though every pant was love.
Nor was her tender, generous heart,
In noble Galvan's court,
Of fickle fortune, love, and grief,
Alone the wretched sport.
In noble Galvan's court,
Of fickle fortune, love, and grief,
Alone the wretched sport.
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Within the haughty Edbald's breast
A tempest fiercely burn'd;
And every motion of his mind
To wild distraction turn'd.
A tempest fiercely burn'd;
And every motion of his mind
To wild distraction turn'd.
There mad'ning jealousy and pride
Still baffled all control;
Whilst love affianc'd to despair,
Shook, fearfully, his soul.
Still baffled all control;
Whilst love affianc'd to despair,
Shook, fearfully, his soul.
Full oft in bitterness of heart,
He curs'd the fatal night,
When first Edilda's matchless charms
Beam'd, dazzling, to his sight.
He curs'd the fatal night,
When first Edilda's matchless charms
Beam'd, dazzling, to his sight.
And oft the lovely maid he curst,
And curst her noble Sire,
For fanning in his kindling breast
Love's fascinating fire.
And curst her noble Sire,
For fanning in his kindling breast
Love's fascinating fire.
But curst his virtuous Rival most,
And, fill'd with fury, swore,
That dreadful vengeance on his head,
Relentless, he would pour.
And, fill'd with fury, swore,
That dreadful vengeance on his head,
Relentless, he would pour.
Nay, madly ween'd, that when in dust
The blooming youth was laid,
Love might await the bloody hand
That mix'd him with the dead.
The blooming youth was laid,
Love might await the bloody hand
That mix'd him with the dead.
Nor did his dark suspicious soul
Believe Edilda's heart,
Spite of her vows, from what it lov'd
So easily would part.
Believe Edilda's heart,
Spite of her vows, from what it lov'd
So easily would part.
119
The favour'd Edwy still he deem'd
Was lurking in the wood;
And there to glut his vengeance thought
In his detested blood.
Was lurking in the wood;
And there to glut his vengeance thought
In his detested blood.
Four desp'rate ruffians he prepar'd,
Ere the third day was past;
And basely hop'd the fourth should prove
His hated Rival's last.
Ere the third day was past;
And basely hop'd the fourth should prove
His hated Rival's last.
Attended by his bloody band,
Sweet pity cast away,
He sought with execrable speed,
The wood, at dawn of day.
Sweet pity cast away,
He sought with execrable speed,
The wood, at dawn of day.
Deluded there, he raging search'd
Each humble cottage round;
And what was Hilda's farm, at last
With cruel transport found:
Each humble cottage round;
And what was Hilda's farm, at last
With cruel transport found:
For there he doubted not his soul
Its bloody will should have;
And swore, an aged mother's arms
The victim should not save:
Its bloody will should have;
And swore, an aged mother's arms
The victim should not save:
Yet equal conflict basely fear'd,
And to the ruffian's knife,
Within his heart ignobly doom'd
The blameless Edwy's life.
And to the ruffian's knife,
Within his heart ignobly doom'd
The blameless Edwy's life.
But Heav'n had otherwise design'd;
And jealousy and rage,
With disappointment in his breast,
A mortal contest wage.
And jealousy and rage,
With disappointment in his breast,
A mortal contest wage.
120
When seeking Edwy from the hinds,
Of Hilda's death he heard;
And that her son the morning past,
Had sudden disappear'd:
Of Hilda's death he heard;
And that her son the morning past,
Had sudden disappear'd:
As some gaunt wolf, secure of prey,
O'erleaps the neighb'ring field,
But empty finds the fence that late
The fleecy flock had held,
O'erleaps the neighb'ring field,
But empty finds the fence that late
The fleecy flock had held,
So Edbald finds his prey escap'd,
And so with tenfold rage
His bosom burns, nor aught but blood
His fury can assuage.
And so with tenfold rage
His bosom burns, nor aught but blood
His fury can assuage.
Madly he roams the country round;
But roams and raves in vain;
No tidings of the hated youth
His keenest search can gain.
But roams and raves in vain;
No tidings of the hated youth
His keenest search can gain.
Wearied at length with fruitless toil,
His gloomy face he turn'd
To Galvan's tow'rs; from whence, I ween,
Not one his absence mourn'd.
His gloomy face he turn'd
To Galvan's tow'rs; from whence, I ween,
Not one his absence mourn'd.
But scarcely in the ample hall
His sullen steps appear,
Ere disappointment hastes afresh
To front and dash him there.
His sullen steps appear,
Ere disappointment hastes afresh
To front and dash him there.
For loathing still the vows he urg'd
Her favour to obtain,
The sweet Edilda sought to shun
What scorn repuls'd in vain.
Her favour to obtain,
The sweet Edilda sought to shun
What scorn repuls'd in vain.
121
Some five short miles from Galvan's court,
Hard by a lofty wood,
Of mickle note, and mickle state,
A ponderous abbey stood.
Hard by a lofty wood,
Of mickle note, and mickle state,
A ponderous abbey stood.
The abbot Aldric rul'd within,
Great Galvan's uncle's son;
For wisdom, holiness, and pow'r,
Throughout the kingdom known.
Great Galvan's uncle's son;
For wisdom, holiness, and pow'r,
Throughout the kingdom known.
Oft from his lips the lovely maid
Had drawn instruction kind;
And much he lov'd her generous heart,
And much her docile mind.
Had drawn instruction kind;
And much he lov'd her generous heart,
And much her docile mind.
And oft he vow'd, when gentle peace
A sanctuary fair
Made her soft breast, in happier days,
From sorrow, pain, and care;
A sanctuary fair
Made her soft breast, in happier days,
From sorrow, pain, and care;
That if the smiles of fortune fled,
The honour'd maid should meet,
Within his abbey's hallow'd walls,
A calm and safe retreat.
The honour'd maid should meet,
Within his abbey's hallow'd walls,
A calm and safe retreat.
To seek this shelter, when the morn
Her blushing radiance threw
From hill-top high, and the last shades
Of cowring night withdrew;
Her blushing radiance threw
From hill-top high, and the last shades
Of cowring night withdrew;
The sweet Edilda silent stole
From Galvan's portals fair;
And long ere mid-day's sultry gleam
Was lodg'd securely there.
From Galvan's portals fair;
And long ere mid-day's sultry gleam
Was lodg'd securely there.
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Soon to the holy Aldric's ear
The maid disclos'd her thought;
And show'd the cause why thus by stealth
The abbey's gloom she sought.
The maid disclos'd her thought;
And show'd the cause why thus by stealth
The abbey's gloom she sought.
And much her virtue he admir'd,
Her spirit much approv'd;
In flying the proud man she loath'd,
And quitting him she lov'd.
Her spirit much approv'd;
In flying the proud man she loath'd,
And quitting him she lov'd.
Then warmly vow'd that Edbald's pow'r,
Nor Galvan's stern command,
Should aught avail, to force the maid
From his protecting hand.
Nor Galvan's stern command,
Should aught avail, to force the maid
From his protecting hand.
But mickle well the fair-one judg'd,
Her Father's secret mind
To favour haughty Edbald's love
No longer was inclin'd.
Her Father's secret mind
To favour haughty Edbald's love
No longer was inclin'd.
For well she kenn'd that Noble's pride,
And passions unsubdu'd,
His jealous rage, and shameless thirst
Of virtuous Edwy's blood,
And passions unsubdu'd,
His jealous rage, and shameless thirst
Of virtuous Edwy's blood,
Had from her father's generous breast
Repell'd the wish, to prove
An union sprung of bitter hate,
And rough indignant love.
Repell'd the wish, to prove
An union sprung of bitter hate,
And rough indignant love.
A letter now to meet his eye,
The lovely maid prepares,
Which quickly to the Baron's hand
A trusty servant bears.
The lovely maid prepares,
Which quickly to the Baron's hand
A trusty servant bears.
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These were the lines:—“From Edbald's love
“Resolv'd, at length, to fly,
“Let not the act too heinous seem
“In a dear Father's eye.
“Resolv'd, at length, to fly,
“Let not the act too heinous seem
“In a dear Father's eye.
“Nor let him judge Edilda's thought
“Unduteous e'er will prove,
“Because she shuns the haughty Lord,
“Her heart could never love.
“Unduteous e'er will prove,
“Because she shuns the haughty Lord,
“Her heart could never love.
“And what but deep, yet vain remorse,
“What, but unceasing woe,
“From vows constrain'd, could her sad heart,
“Or noble Galvan's know?
“What, but unceasing woe,
“From vows constrain'd, could her sad heart,
“Or noble Galvan's know?
“Nor has a tender Sire forgot
“His oft-repeated vow,
“That at the altar's foot his child
“A victim ne'er should bow.
“His oft-repeated vow,
“That at the altar's foot his child
“A victim ne'er should bow.
“And well she knows his generous soul,
“Since Edbald's jealous heart
“Prompted his tongue and hand to act
“So mean, so base a part;
“Since Edbald's jealous heart
“Prompted his tongue and hand to act
“So mean, so base a part;
“Has never wish'd Edilda's hand
“The sacrifice should be,
“Of pomp and pow'r, which could but gloss
“The face of misery.
“The sacrifice should be,
“Of pomp and pow'r, which could but gloss
“The face of misery.
“Then let my Lord to Edbald's ear
“His daughter's purpose speak;
“And say, in vain his will would strive
“Her firm resolve to break.
“His daughter's purpose speak;
“And say, in vain his will would strive
“Her firm resolve to break.
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“Never from holy Aldric's walls
“Edilda's feet shall stray,
“Till the proud Earl from Galvan's court
“For ever turn away.
“Edilda's feet shall stray,
“Till the proud Earl from Galvan's court
“For ever turn away.
“Then let him quick a sense of shame
“And sense of honour prove;
“Nor hang, a baleful cloud, between
“Her and a Father's love.
“And sense of honour prove;
“Nor hang, a baleful cloud, between
“Her and a Father's love.
“How blest the day when once again,
“On that dear Father's breast,
“His child may fondly lean her head,
“And lull his cares to rest!”
“On that dear Father's breast,
“His child may fondly lean her head,
“And lull his cares to rest!”
Nor was the noble maid deceiv'd;
Nor was her Father's mind,
To favour haughty Edbald's suit,
Still, as of late, inclin'd.
Nor was her Father's mind,
To favour haughty Edbald's suit,
Still, as of late, inclin'd.
Nor did her flight displeasure move,
Nor letter give offence;
Since to dismiss whom now he scorn'd,
They offer'd fair pretence.
Nor letter give offence;
Since to dismiss whom now he scorn'd,
They offer'd fair pretence.
Full well he read the passions foul
That rul'd in Edbald's heart;
And knew his soul had lately own'd
A much unworthy part.
That rul'd in Edbald's heart;
And knew his soul had lately own'd
A much unworthy part.
For gentle Edwy's candid lines
Had amply to his breast
The Youth's transcendent honour, worth,
And gratitude express'd.
Had amply to his breast
The Youth's transcendent honour, worth,
And gratitude express'd.
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And while his cheek with transport glow'd,
His heart in secret swore,
It valued Edwy's noble mind
Each Noble far before.
His heart in secret swore,
It valued Edwy's noble mind
Each Noble far before.
And vow'd withal, the generous Youth
With joy, its love should own,
Were but his birth one step above
An abject vassal's son.
With joy, its love should own,
Were but his birth one step above
An abject vassal's son.
Alas! that pride in noble minds
Should bear so large a part,
And counteract the generous wish
And temper of the heart!
Should bear so large a part,
And counteract the generous wish
And temper of the heart!
But outward circumstance, alas!
Hath power to witch the eye,
With whom the touch of frailty least
Bewrays humanity.
Hath power to witch the eye,
With whom the touch of frailty least
Bewrays humanity.
Yet much the aged Warrior wail'd
The unpropitious love,
That from his court, to want and woe,
The gallant Shepherd drove.
The unpropitious love,
That from his court, to want and woe,
The gallant Shepherd drove.
And more lamented that his tongue,
By passion overborn,
Dismiss'd whom most his soul approv'd,
With show of pride and scorn.
By passion overborn,
Dismiss'd whom most his soul approv'd,
With show of pride and scorn.
Nor yet in private did he fail
To seek the gentle Youth,
With fair rewards, and blessings fair,
For all his love and truth.
To seek the gentle Youth,
With fair rewards, and blessings fair,
For all his love and truth.
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And of his own ungrateful heart
Did bitterly complain,
When the preserver of himself
And child was sought in vain.
Did bitterly complain,
When the preserver of himself
And child was sought in vain.
For still its own severest judge,
The generous mind appears;
And when it errs, against itself
A dread tribunal rears.
The generous mind appears;
And when it errs, against itself
A dread tribunal rears.
To Edbald now her noble Sire
Edilda's flight reveals;
Nor from his heart her purpose hides,
Nor from his eye conceals.
Edilda's flight reveals;
Nor from his heart her purpose hides,
Nor from his eye conceals.
But while her scornful lines he scann'd,
The passion who could speak
That flash'd within his rolling eye,
And burnt upon his cheek?
The passion who could speak
That flash'd within his rolling eye,
And burnt upon his cheek?
“'T is well! proud maid, 'tis well!” he cry'd,
“And Edbald shall return
“Thy wretched scorn, and foolish pride,
“With added pride and scorn!
“And Edbald shall return
“Thy wretched scorn, and foolish pride,
“With added pride and scorn!
“Too highly honour'd! wayward fair,
“Thy heart has been by me,
“Which to a vassal vile could stoop
“From all its dignity.
“Thy heart has been by me,
“Which to a vassal vile could stoop
“From all its dignity.
“Within thy paramour's base arms
“Thy base desires enjoy;
“Nor tremble, lest my envious love
“Thy pleasures should annoy.”
“Thy base desires enjoy;
“Nor tremble, lest my envious love
“Thy pleasures should annoy.”
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“Now, nay, Lord Edbald,”—Galvan cry'd,
And kindled as he said,—
“Let not thy candour, honour, truth,
“By passion be betray'd.
And kindled as he said,—
“Let not thy candour, honour, truth,
“By passion be betray'd.
“Nor hangs the mildew of reproach
“Upon my Daughter's fame;
“Nor has the tongue of slander's self
“Dar'd fully her bright name.
“Upon my Daughter's fame;
“Nor has the tongue of slander's self
“Dar'd fully her bright name.
“Nor canst thou, Lord, of her deceit,
“Nor of my own complain;
“Thou know'st I wish'd thy vows success,
“And saw them scorn'd with pain.
“Nor of my own complain;
“Thou know'st I wish'd thy vows success,
“And saw them scorn'd with pain.
“And well thou know'st thy tender cares
“Were all too weak to move,
“Within Edilda's adverse heart,
“The least return of love.
“Were all too weak to move,
“Within Edilda's adverse heart,
“The least return of love.
“Could Edbald's vows have won her heart,
“Those vows had won her hand;
“But the resistless fate of love
“What mortal can command?
“Those vows had won her hand;
“But the resistless fate of love
“What mortal can command?
“Yet think not so unworthy her,
“Nor yet so base of me,
“As once to ween our souls can stoop
“To one of low degree.
“Nor yet so base of me,
“As once to ween our souls can stoop
“To one of low degree.
“Nor pitiless arraign the Youth,
“On whose ill-fated head
“A hopeless passion all its weight
“Of misery hath shed.
“On whose ill-fated head
“A hopeless passion all its weight
“Of misery hath shed.
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“Though gratitude this truth demands,
“That had a noble birth
“His merits grac'd, the Youth had stood
“Unrivall'd through the earth.”
“That had a noble birth
“His merits grac'd, the Youth had stood
“Unrivall'd through the earth.”
“Curse on the specious villain's art!”
The haughty Lord reply'd;
“And vain would Galvan's glosing tongue
“His secret purpose hide.
The haughty Lord reply'd;
“And vain would Galvan's glosing tongue
“His secret purpose hide.
“Yes, abject Lord! thy Daughter give
“To this transcendent Youth,
“This pattern of intrinsic worth,
“Of tenderness and truth.
“To this transcendent Youth,
“This pattern of intrinsic worth,
“Of tenderness and truth.
“But yet of noble Edbald's soul
“So little hast thou known,
“To think it tamely will give place
“To a vile vassal's son?
“So little hast thou known,
“To think it tamely will give place
“To a vile vassal's son?
“No! though I scorn the worthless maid
“Whom late my soul ador'd;
“Though thy alliance much I scorn,
“Low-minded, doting Lord!
“Whom late my soul ador'd;
“Though thy alliance much I scorn,
“Low-minded, doting Lord!
“My outrag'd honour ne'er shall rest,
“Till in the vital blood
“Of him I loath, this vengeful hand,
“I swear, be deep imbru'd!”
“Till in the vital blood
“Of him I loath, this vengeful hand,
“I swear, be deep imbru'd!”
He fiercely said; and furious rush'd
From out the ample hall;
Whilst much the generous Galvan's heart
His treat'nings did appal.
From out the ample hall;
Whilst much the generous Galvan's heart
His treat'nings did appal.
129
Not for himself the Noble fear'd,
For he ne'er stoop'd to fear;
But for the welfare of those friends
That to his soul were dear.
For he ne'er stoop'd to fear;
But for the welfare of those friends
That to his soul were dear.
But plain he kenn'd the dark revenge
That lowr'd in Edbald's breast;
And knew his hand would joy to act
The deed his tongue express'd.
That lowr'd in Edbald's breast;
And knew his hand would joy to act
The deed his tongue express'd.
What, though he ween'd the gentle Youth
For ever past away;
He lov'd him still, and wish'd him far
From Edbald's wrath to stray.
For ever past away;
He lov'd him still, and wish'd him far
From Edbald's wrath to stray.
Mean time, with anger in his eye,
And vengeance in his heart,
The haughty Earl from Galvan's court
Indignant did depart.
And vengeance in his heart,
The haughty Earl from Galvan's court
Indignant did depart.
To Erpwald's castle now with speed
His furious steps advance;
From which they loiter'd had so long,
Withheld by wayward chance.
His furious steps advance;
From which they loiter'd had so long,
Withheld by wayward chance.
Mysterious Pow'r! whose mighty will
Can in one hour destroy
The structure fair on which we rest
Our every hope of joy:
Can in one hour destroy
The structure fair on which we rest
Our every hope of joy:
Yet o'er the soul where virtue dwells,
Thy reign is short, I trust;
And there the Phœnix Joy shall spring
More glorious! from her dust.
Thy reign is short, I trust;
And there the Phœnix Joy shall spring
More glorious! from her dust.
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But curs'd the heart, where life nor death
Her blessings can restore;
O! tenfold curs'd, where hope's sweet flow'r
Withers to bloom no more!
Her blessings can restore;
O! tenfold curs'd, where hope's sweet flow'r
Withers to bloom no more!
Proud Edbald gone, the tidings soon
The train to Galvan bear;
Nor were they, if I ween aright,
Ungrateful to his ear.
The train to Galvan bear;
Nor were they, if I ween aright,
Ungrateful to his ear.
Nor sooner did the shades of night,
At morn's approach decay,
Than to the well-known Abbey's gate
The Noble hy'd away.
At morn's approach decay,
Than to the well-known Abbey's gate
The Noble hy'd away.
His presence soon with greetings fair
The holy Aldric met,
And soon with bashful eye he view'd
Edilda at his feet.
The holy Aldric met,
And soon with bashful eye he view'd
Edilda at his feet.
“Bless me,” she cry'd, “my honour'd Sire,
“O bless your child once more!”
While down her cheeks the trembling tears
Of love and terror pour.
“O bless your child once more!”
While down her cheeks the trembling tears
Of love and terror pour.
“Bless thee, my child? O that I will,
“While life remains,” he cry'd.
And as he spoke, the tender drops
That dew'd her cheek he dry'd.
“While life remains,” he cry'd.
And as he spoke, the tender drops
That dew'd her cheek he dry'd.
Then kindly stooping, by the hand
The timid maid he rais'd;
Who thus encourag'd, o'er and o'er,
Her noble Sire embrac'd.
The timid maid he rais'd;
Who thus encourag'd, o'er and o'er,
Her noble Sire embrac'd.
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But who her tenderness, her joy,
Her gratitude, can speak?
Who the sweet words, that from her lips
Of rapturous duty break,
Her gratitude, can speak?
Who the sweet words, that from her lips
Of rapturous duty break,
When from her generous Father's lips
Of Edbald's flight she hears;
And that no more his hated love
Shall fill her breast with cares?
Of Edbald's flight she hears;
And that no more his hated love
Shall fill her breast with cares?
And much the friendly Abbot prais'd
Edilda's noble soul,
That durst the mighty power of love
At duty's call control.
Edilda's noble soul,
That durst the mighty power of love
At duty's call control.
And pray'd, the lenient hand of time
Might cank'ring sorrow chase,
And freshly tint the rose of health
That faded on her face.
Might cank'ring sorrow chase,
And freshly tint the rose of health
That faded on her face.
Three peaceful days his noble guests
With holy Aldric spend;
But on the fourth to Galvan's hall
Their journey back intend.
With holy Aldric spend;
But on the fourth to Galvan's hall
Their journey back intend.
And now the fair adieus had past,
And now the outward gate
Was open'd, that the honour'd pair
Might freely pass thereat;
And now the outward gate
Was open'd, that the honour'd pair
Might freely pass thereat;
When white with foam, a courser near,
The company espy'd,
On which a herald, trimly clad,
Impetuously did ride.
The company espy'd,
On which a herald, trimly clad,
Impetuously did ride.
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Lo! at the Abbey's lofty gate
He lighted is full soon,
And quick as thought at Galvan's feet,
All panting, casts him down.
He lighted is full soon,
And quick as thought at Galvan's feet,
All panting, casts him down.
Then eagerly as breath will serve,
His tidings doth declare;
And shows, how Edwy is become
The far-fam'd Oswald's heir.
His tidings doth declare;
And shows, how Edwy is become
The far-fam'd Oswald's heir.
But while the wondrous tale he told,
Th'emotions who could speak
That trembled in Edilda's eye,
And flush'd her Father's cheek?
Th'emotions who could speak
That trembled in Edilda's eye,
And flush'd her Father's cheek?
With him 't was pleasure and surprise,
Unmix'd with doubt or care;
With her 't was transport beating high,
Yet dash'd with timid fear.
Unmix'd with doubt or care;
With her 't was transport beating high,
Yet dash'd with timid fear.
Unthought-of joys his aged breast
With temper'd feelings move;
But her's with all the tumult throbs
Of extasy and love.
With temper'd feelings move;
But her's with all the tumult throbs
Of extasy and love.
Could Nature bear the strong reverse,
And still her course maintain?
She could not: bliss o'erstrain'd becomes
Intolerable pain!
And still her course maintain?
She could not: bliss o'erstrain'd becomes
Intolerable pain!
Thick and more thick her sighs exhale,
Her pulse forgets to play;
And in her Father's arms at length
She senseless sunk away.
Her pulse forgets to play;
And in her Father's arms at length
She senseless sunk away.
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But soon from Nature's friendly pause
The lovely maid awakes;
And now of blessing's flowing cup
More sparingly partakes:
The lovely maid awakes;
And now of blessing's flowing cup
More sparingly partakes:
With chasten'd joy the cordial lines
Of noble Oswald hears;
And as she listens, silent pays
The tribute of her tears.
Of noble Oswald hears;
And as she listens, silent pays
The tribute of her tears.
And sure no sweeter drops appear
Within the melting eye,
Than those that spring at joy's soft touch
From sensibility?
Within the melting eye,
Than those that spring at joy's soft touch
From sensibility?
Forthwith to noble Galvan's court
They deem it meet to haste,
Since Oswald meant to greet them there
Before three days were pass'd.
They deem it meet to haste,
Since Oswald meant to greet them there
Before three days were pass'd.
Yet to the Abbot, ere they go,
Their sacred word they plight,
That his bless'd hand in Hymen's bonds
The lovers shall unite.
Their sacred word they plight,
That his bless'd hand in Hymen's bonds
The lovers shall unite.
Now spread the tidings far and near
Of Edwy's alter'd state;
Nor was there one in Galvan's court
But greatly joy'd thereat.
Of Edwy's alter'd state;
Nor was there one in Galvan's court
But greatly joy'd thereat.
For him they joy'd, but triumph'd more
For sweet Edilda's bliss,
Which well they ween'd, thro' life, would be
By love involv'd in his.
For sweet Edilda's bliss,
Which well they ween'd, thro' life, would be
By love involv'd in his.
134
And all with one consent agreed
The charming noble pair,
Each of the other through the world
Alone deserving were.
The charming noble pair,
Each of the other through the world
Alone deserving were.
But who the yearnings fond could tell
Within Edilda's breast,
The hurrying thoughts, the nameless fears,
That pillag'd all her rest?
Within Edilda's breast,
The hurrying thoughts, the nameless fears,
That pillag'd all her rest?
As on the silent minutes stole
That usher'd the glad day,
When fortune promis'd to restore
What duty rent away.
That usher'd the glad day,
When fortune promis'd to restore
What duty rent away.
Yet though she wish'd the feet of time
Wing'd with the plumes of love,
And deem'd that since the world was made
He ne'er so slow did move:
Wing'd with the plumes of love,
And deem'd that since the world was made
He ne'er so slow did move:
Still as the hour, so wish'd, draws nigh,
New perturbations rise,
And chill and warm, by turns, her cheek,
And tremble in her eyes.
New perturbations rise,
And chill and warm, by turns, her cheek,
And tremble in her eyes.
And oft she heav'd a generous sigh,
That wealth, and pow'r, and birth,
A grace obtain'd that still had been
Denied to better worth.
That wealth, and pow'r, and birth,
A grace obtain'd that still had been
Denied to better worth.
But if in expectation thus
Her lovely bosom beat;
What does it feel when she beholds
Her Edwy at her feet!
Her lovely bosom beat;
What does it feel when she beholds
Her Edwy at her feet!
135
What pen the passions can describe
That thrill within her soul?
What tongue the transports wild declare
That all his pow'rs control?
That thrill within her soul?
What tongue the transports wild declare
That all his pow'rs control?
Nor poor the bliss that Galvan tastes,
When warmly to his breast
The noble Oswald, lost so long,
With love sincere he press'd.
When warmly to his breast
The noble Oswald, lost so long,
With love sincere he press'd.
Quickly the story of their loves
Through all the kingdom went;
And through the land was scarce a heart
But shar'd in their content.
Through all the kingdom went;
And through the land was scarce a heart
But shar'd in their content.
But most the royal Egbert joy'd
The wondrous tale to hear,
For Oswald joy'd, whose wretched lot
Had cost him many a tear.
The wondrous tale to hear,
For Oswald joy'd, whose wretched lot
Had cost him many a tear.
And from his court the Monarch sent,
With speed, a message fair,
That mickle pleasure he should taste
To greet the Lovers there.
With speed, a message fair,
That mickle pleasure he should taste
To greet the Lovers there.
Now social mirth once more resounds
Through Galvan's crowded hall,
And all the smiles assembled there,
At pleasure's grateful call.
Through Galvan's crowded hall,
And all the smiles assembled there,
At pleasure's grateful call.
And while the Lovers o'er and o'er
Their tender passion tell,
Which melting looks and ardent sighs,
Love's language, spoke as well;
Their tender passion tell,
Which melting looks and ardent sighs,
Love's language, spoke as well;
136
Their aged Sires, of former times
A thousand tales relate,
And trace, through all her mazy rounds,
The mystic pow'r of Fate:
A thousand tales relate,
And trace, through all her mazy rounds,
The mystic pow'r of Fate:
Yet, now and then, amidst their talk
Their lovely offspring view'd
With mickle pride, and saw in them
Their blooming youth renew'd.
Their lovely offspring view'd
With mickle pride, and saw in them
Their blooming youth renew'd.
Where hearts were all so well agreed,
What need that ardent love
To Hymen long should sue in vain
His happiest state to prove?
What need that ardent love
To Hymen long should sue in vain
His happiest state to prove?
Soon was the nuptial torch prepar'd,
And soon with bravest state
The bridal train fair issued forth
At Galvan's lofty gate.
And soon with bravest state
The bridal train fair issued forth
At Galvan's lofty gate.
Ah! who that morn the rapture high
Could paint in Edwy's face?
Who the soft blush that in the Maid's
With transports blended was?
Could paint in Edwy's face?
Who the soft blush that in the Maid's
With transports blended was?
So god-like Hector show'd, I ween,
When to the nuptial bed
Andromache, in beauty's bloom,
He sweetly-bashful led.
When to the nuptial bed
Andromache, in beauty's bloom,
He sweetly-bashful led.
In trim apparel, meetly rank'd
Upon their coursers fair,
A splendid train, with jocund looks,
Behind assembled were.
Upon their coursers fair,
A splendid train, with jocund looks,
Behind assembled were.
137
And still, as onward slow they pass'd,
The country gather'd round,
And bless'd their steps, and, loving, strew'd,
With fragrant flow'rs, the ground.
The country gather'd round,
And bless'd their steps, and, loving, strew'd,
With fragrant flow'rs, the ground.
On either side the lovely pair
Their reverend Sires were seen,
Whose joy that morn, new grace to age,
New fire had lent I ween.
Their reverend Sires were seen,
Whose joy that morn, new grace to age,
New fire had lent I ween.
And now to Aldric's gate they came;
And as they enter'd there,
The holy Abbot met their steps
With many a welcome fair.
And as they enter'd there,
The holy Abbot met their steps
With many a welcome fair.
Quickly the Lovers graceful knelt
Before the sacred shrine;
And Hymen quick their willing hands
With gentle bonds did join.
Before the sacred shrine;
And Hymen quick their willing hands
With gentle bonds did join.
For virtue mated sweet with love
In marriage, only knows
To wear and taste, without its thorn,
The never-fading rose.
In marriage, only knows
To wear and taste, without its thorn,
The never-fading rose.
At that glad hour, all words were vain
The happiness to tell,
Which only hearts so form'd as theirs
Could merit, or could feel.
The happiness to tell,
Which only hearts so form'd as theirs
Could merit, or could feel.
Now from the holy Abbot's gate,
With many a blessing fair,
The bridal train rejoicing pass'd
In pageantry most rare!
With many a blessing fair,
The bridal train rejoicing pass'd
In pageantry most rare!
138
Full in their way to Galvan's hall
There stood a pleasant grove,
Where every warbler sweetly sung
His little tale of love:
There stood a pleasant grove,
Where every warbler sweetly sung
His little tale of love:
And here, before their steps return'd,
Had many a youth and maid,
With simple show of duteous joy,
The boughs with garlands clad.
Had many a youth and maid,
With simple show of duteous joy,
The boughs with garlands clad.
And while the whispering zephyrs sent
Their fragrance through the air,
From sultry heat the bridal train
Was pleas'd to loiter there.
Their fragrance through the air,
From sultry heat the bridal train
Was pleas'd to loiter there.
But most the bride and bridegroom joy
Such tokens to receive
Of humble love, and courteous smiles,
And praises freely give.
Such tokens to receive
Of humble love, and courteous smiles,
And praises freely give.
Yet more to please their honest hearts
A garland mickle fair,
The Bridegroom reach'd, and smiling, cry'd,
His bride the band should wear:
A garland mickle fair,
The Bridegroom reach'd, and smiling, cry'd,
His bride the band should wear:
“More soft,” he said, “than this sweet wreath
“Our gentle bands shall prove,
“Though never, like these drooping flow'rs,
“Shall fade our constant love!”
“Our gentle bands shall prove,
“Though never, like these drooping flow'rs,
“Shall fade our constant love!”
But whilst his hand the garland gay
Her white neck fasten'd round,
A sudden cry of deep distress
Made all the grove resound.
Her white neck fasten'd round,
A sudden cry of deep distress
Made all the grove resound.
139
Pale with affright Edilda turn'd;
For much the fair-one fear'd
That in the cry the well-known voice
Of her lov'd Sire she heard.
For much the fair-one fear'd
That in the cry the well-known voice
Of her lov'd Sire she heard.
Nor judg'd amiss; for as she turn'd,
In swoonings she espy'd
The aged Lord, and to his aid
With eager duty hy'd.
In swoonings she espy'd
The aged Lord, and to his aid
With eager duty hy'd.
But ah! alas! she little ween'd,
Whilst, like some timorous hind
She sped away, the heavier ill
Her love had left behind.
Whilst, like some timorous hind
She sped away, the heavier ill
Her love had left behind.
For scarce she turn'd, or e'er a shaft
Too well directed! stood
In Edwy's breast, and trembled there,
And deeply drank his blood.
Too well directed! stood
In Edwy's breast, and trembled there,
And deeply drank his blood.
And scarce its deadly point he felt,
Or e'er the face appear'd
Of bloody Edbald; from whose tongue
This cruel taunt he heard;
Or e'er the face appear'd
Of bloody Edbald; from whose tongue
This cruel taunt he heard;
“Accept, gay Bridegroom, from this bow
“With joy, that arrow fair,
“For by thy own Edilda's hand
“They both presented were!”
“With joy, that arrow fair,
“For by thy own Edilda's hand
“They both presented were!”
The sinking Youth these bitter words
With indignation fir'd;
While just revenge one flash of strength
Within his breast inspir'd.
With indignation fir'd;
While just revenge one flash of strength
Within his breast inspir'd.
140
On Edbald suddenly he rush'd,
As base he turn'd his head
To fly the grove; and by the reins
Restrain'd his fiery steed.
As base he turn'd his head
To fly the grove; and by the reins
Restrain'd his fiery steed.
Then cried, as high he rais'd his hand,
“Remember, treacherous Lord!
“That when to thee she gave a bow,
“To me she gave a sword.”
“Remember, treacherous Lord!
“That when to thee she gave a bow,
“To me she gave a sword.”
He said; and in the villain's breast
Plung'd deep the shining blade,
Which found the passage to his heart,
And mix'd him with the dead.
Plung'd deep the shining blade,
Which found the passage to his heart,
And mix'd him with the dead.
But little to the noble Youth
Avails his vengeance just;
Ah! what avails his haughty foe
Stretch'd silent in the dust;
Avails his vengeance just;
Ah! what avails his haughty foe
Stretch'd silent in the dust;
Since fast life's purple current ebbs,
And yet once more he tries
To seek his sweet Edilda's face,
But as he looks he dies.
And yet once more he tries
To seek his sweet Edilda's face,
But as he looks he dies.
Loud, and more loud, Edilda's shrieks
Re-echoed through the grove,
While to her Edwy fast she flew,
By terror borne and love.
Re-echoed through the grove,
While to her Edwy fast she flew,
By terror borne and love.
Alas! 't was dread of this distress
That riv'd her Father's heart,
As sudden through the shade he saw
Base Edbald aim the dart.
That riv'd her Father's heart,
As sudden through the shade he saw
Base Edbald aim the dart.
141
Nor knew the Bride the work of fate,
Till to his hall with care
Her Sire, in deadly swoonings laid,
She bade the servants bear.
Till to his hall with care
Her Sire, in deadly swoonings laid,
She bade the servants bear.
But seeking then whom most she lov'd,
Whom most she lov'd she spy'd;
Yet ere her eyes that sight beheld
Had rather far have dy'd.
Whom most she lov'd she spy'd;
Yet ere her eyes that sight beheld
Had rather far have dy'd.
Ah! who could think her Edwy's face
An object e'er would be,
In her fond eye, of horror wild,
And deepest misery?
An object e'er would be,
In her fond eye, of horror wild,
And deepest misery?
But not alone at Edwy's fate
Her bitter sorrows flow;
Nor she alone must claim the sad
Prerogative of woe:
Her bitter sorrows flow;
Nor she alone must claim the sad
Prerogative of woe:
Age joins with Youth at such a scene,
To wage a cruel war
With grief, whose all-relentless hand
Points firmly to despair.
To wage a cruel war
With grief, whose all-relentless hand
Points firmly to despair.
And who can marvel that a heart
Awak'd from length of woe
To sudden joy, at woe's return
A deep despair should know?
Awak'd from length of woe
To sudden joy, at woe's return
A deep despair should know?
O! he that can, has never sure,
Like wretched Oswald, known
The loss of all his hopes on earth
In losing such a Son!
Like wretched Oswald, known
The loss of all his hopes on earth
In losing such a Son!
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To Edwy's corse, with bursting heart,
The hapless Noble sped;
And wrung his hands in speechless woe,
And shook his hoary head.
The hapless Noble sped;
And wrung his hands in speechless woe,
And shook his hoary head.
Forthwith on either side the corse
With many a bitter groan,
The childless Sire, and widow'd Bride,
Distracted throw them down.
With many a bitter groan,
The childless Sire, and widow'd Bride,
Distracted throw them down.
A thousand and a thousand times
The body they embrace;
A thousand and a thousand times
They kiss the pallid face.
The body they embrace;
A thousand and a thousand times
They kiss the pallid face.
A thousand and a thousand times
To speak, in vain they try;
Upon their wan and quiv'ring lips
The murmuring accents die.
To speak, in vain they try;
Upon their wan and quiv'ring lips
The murmuring accents die.
But when within her Edwy's breast
Edilda scann'd the dart;
She frantic cry'd, “Almighty Pow'rs!
“This hand has pierc'd his heart!
Edilda scann'd the dart;
She frantic cry'd, “Almighty Pow'rs!
“This hand has pierc'd his heart!
“O yes, his own Edilda's hand
“The fatal shaft supply'd;
“By which, far dearer than her life,
“Her lovely Husband dy'd!”
“The fatal shaft supply'd;
“By which, far dearer than her life,
“Her lovely Husband dy'd!”
She said; and reckless what to do,
Or where to find relief,
On Oswald's bosom, o'er the corse
Reclin'd, and hid her grief.
Or where to find relief,
On Oswald's bosom, o'er the corse
Reclin'd, and hid her grief.
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Ah! then the piteous sight to see,
His reverend silver hairs
Hang o'er Edilda's faded cheek,
And drink her falling tears.
His reverend silver hairs
Hang o'er Edilda's faded cheek,
And drink her falling tears.
Around the late-gay bridal train
With solemn silence wait,
And weep alike the Mourner's woe,
And gallant Edwy's fate.
With solemn silence wait,
And weep alike the Mourner's woe,
And gallant Edwy's fate.
Still o'er the breathless, bleeding youth
The wretched Mourners bend,
While on the wan, yet lovely face,
Their streaming sorrows blend:
The wretched Mourners bend,
While on the wan, yet lovely face,
Their streaming sorrows blend:
Still did they bend, still did they weep,
When with an angel's speed,
A learned Leech, from Galvan's hall,
Flew in that hour of need.
When with an angel's speed,
A learned Leech, from Galvan's hall,
Flew in that hour of need.
And though on Edwy's pallid face
He strove in vain to seek
The life-warm blood that us'd to stain
With vermeil hue his cheek;
He strove in vain to seek
The life-warm blood that us'd to stain
With vermeil hue his cheek;
Though on his wan, wan lips in vain
He sought the ruby pride,
With which the soft and swelling twins
Erewhile were doubly dy'd;
He sought the ruby pride,
With which the soft and swelling twins
Erewhile were doubly dy'd;
Yet in his pulse, at fearful pause,
Fond life yet, lingering, beat;
And in his bosom yet was felt
Its last retiring heat.
Fond life yet, lingering, beat;
And in his bosom yet was felt
Its last retiring heat.
144
“Be comforted! for still he lives,”
The Sage, exulting, cry'd;
“O! blessing, blessing on that tongue!”
The trembling Fair reply'd.
The Sage, exulting, cry'd;
“O! blessing, blessing on that tongue!”
The trembling Fair reply'd.
“O! blessing, blessing on that tongue!”
Exclaim'd the hoary Sire,
“Which lights, once more, within my breast,
“Sweet hope's extinguish'd fire.
Exclaim'd the hoary Sire,
“Which lights, once more, within my breast,
“Sweet hope's extinguish'd fire.
A sovereign cordial now apply'd,
Life's dying flame revives;
Though still, but by convulsive starts,
The noble Edwy lives.
Life's dying flame revives;
Though still, but by convulsive starts,
The noble Edwy lives.
O! what was reverend Oswald's joy
No language can reveal,
As o'er his Edwy's cheek once more
He saw the crimson steal.
No language can reveal,
As o'er his Edwy's cheek once more
He saw the crimson steal.
No tongue can tell the joy that rush'd
Upon Edilda's soul,
As o'er her lover's lips again
The warm carnation stole!
Upon Edilda's soul,
As o'er her lover's lips again
The warm carnation stole!
To Galvan's court, with cautious step,
The gallant Youth was mov'd,
And watch'd with fond incessant care
By every eye he lov'd.
The gallant Youth was mov'd,
And watch'd with fond incessant care
By every eye he lov'd.
Around his couch, with silent foot,
Each anxious Parent crept,
And o'er him long, his peerless Bride
Alternate smil'd and wept.
Each anxious Parent crept,
And o'er him long, his peerless Bride
Alternate smil'd and wept.
145
For long, 'twixt life and death, the Youth
With frequent swoonings lay;
Till by the power of soft'ning balms
The shaft was drawn away.
With frequent swoonings lay;
Till by the power of soft'ning balms
The shaft was drawn away.
From that blest hour with freer pulse
Life beat within his breast,
And riper roses on his cheek,
Returning health confest.
Life beat within his breast,
And riper roses on his cheek,
Returning health confest.
O! from his bright expressive eye
When now she glitter'd fair,
How did his sweet indignant Bride
The hated arrow tear!
When now she glitter'd fair,
How did his sweet indignant Bride
The hated arrow tear!
On every eddy of the wind
A several wreck was borne,
And all its silver pride defac'd,
With mingled rage and scorn.
A several wreck was borne,
And all its silver pride defac'd,
With mingled rage and scorn.
And oft, with fervour, on his breast,
She, trembling, kiss'd the scar,
And, like the dew-drop on the thorn,
Adorn'd it with a tear.
She, trembling, kiss'd the scar,
And, like the dew-drop on the thorn,
Adorn'd it with a tear.
Long blest, and blessing all around,
Uncloying, and uncloy'd,
They liv'd; and long their happiness
Their noble Sires enjoy'd.
Uncloying, and uncloy'd,
They liv'd; and long their happiness
Their noble Sires enjoy'd.
Long did their numerous offspring live,
Their country's boast, and pride,
And still shall live, while love, and truth,
And honour, shall abide:
Their country's boast, and pride,
And still shall live, while love, and truth,
And honour, shall abide:
146
For every brave and generous youth
Shall Edwy's praises share,
And emulate, ye British maids,
That shining morning star.
Shall Edwy's praises share,
And emulate, ye British maids,
That shining morning star.
A morning star Edilda shines,
Your wandering steps to guide,
That ye may trace life's wildering maze,
With honour's noblest pride.
Your wandering steps to guide,
That ye may trace life's wildering maze,
With honour's noblest pride.
As the coy violet lifts its head
Amid the vernal snows,
And, breathing lavish fragrance round,
With purple beauty glows;
Amid the vernal snows,
And, breathing lavish fragrance round,
With purple beauty glows;
So may their honour'd memories live,
As fresh as in their prime,
And blush, and breathe their fragrance round
Upon the snows of time!
As fresh as in their prime,
And blush, and breathe their fragrance round
Upon the snows of time!
Ah! happy, whosoe'er extracts
The honey from such flow'rs,
And with perennial sweetness decks
Life's transitory hours.
The honey from such flow'rs,
And with perennial sweetness decks
Life's transitory hours.
THE END.
| Edwy and Edilda, a tale, in five parts | |