66 VIII. 'Then, ay, then-he shall kneel low— With the red-roan steed anear him, Which shall seem to understand- IX. "Then he will arise so pale, I shall feel my own lips tremble With a yes I must not sayNathless, maiden-brave, 'Farewell,' I will utter, and dissemble'Light to-morrow, with to-day.' 66 X. Then he will ride through the hills, To the wide world past the river, There to put away all wrong; XI. "Three times shall a young foot-page Swim the stream, and climb the mountain, And kneel down beside my feet — 'Lo! my master sends this gage, Lady, for thy pity's counting! What wilt thou exchange for it?' XII. "And the first time, I will send A white rose-bud for a guerdon, And the second time, a glove; But the third time-I may From my pride, and answer-'Pardon If he comes to take my love.' bend XIII. “Then the young foot-page will run Then my lover will ride faster, 'I am a duke's eldest son! Thousand serfs do call me master · But, O Love, I love but thee! XIV. "He will kiss me on the mouth Then, and lead me as a lover Through the crowds that praise his deeds; And, when soul-tied by one troth, Unto him I will discover That swan's nest among the reeds." XV. Little Ellie, with her smile Not yet ended, rose up gaily; Tied the bonnet, donned the shoe, Just to see, as she did daily, What more eggs were with the two. XVI. Pushing through the elm-tree copse, Past the boughs she stoops-and stops: And a rat had gnawed the reeds. XVII. Ellie went home sad and slow, With his red-roan steed of steeds, ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING. Music. EFTSOONS they heard a most melodious sound, Was there consorted in one harmony; Birds, voices, instruments, winds, waters, all agree; The joyous birds, shrouded in cheerful shade, SPENSER. [From "The Faerie Queen."] A Pastoral Evening. SHEPHERDS all, and maidens fair, Of these pastures, where they come, And let your dogs lie loose without, you shall good shepherds prove, And for ever hold the love Of our great God.* Sweetest slumbers, Bermudas. WHERE the remote Bermudas ride, * Pan. FLETCHER. |