Craven Blossoms :: :: University of Virginia Library

And glimmering on the glen beneath,
Where wild birds, roused from copse and heath,
Seemed to make up for silence long
By one consentient burst of song;
—Is it to hear the wild birds' lay
The Outlaw and the Lady stay,
Once more beside the hillock green?
No, hurrying down the glen are seen
The train so late deserted. One
Before the rest comes rushing on:
'Tis fiery Fenwick, who will deign
No question, but gives wrath the reign.
“Off, Ruffian, with that garb, profaned
E'en by the touch of one so stained—
Off, and the recreant life defend,
Which else this instant finds an end!”
Calmly, and with contemptuous smile,
And doffing frock and hood the while,
Until he stood with helm and sword,
The Leader of a robber-horde—

Calmly the Outlaw answered: “Fear
Moves not the man thou threaten'st here;
Though for so brave a knight, to tell
The truth, thou com'st supported well
Against a single arm! 'Twere good
To call assistance from the wood.”
He whistled, and from crag and scar
The sound was echoed wild and far.