Now tow'rd the tents, awhile we journey'd

on,

With easy pace, then lighted on the

ground,

Befriended by the stars, that glimm'ring shone,

And fires, that cast a trembling gleem around.

With hasty foot we press'd the dewy sod,

Fit answer making to each station'd guard; When full before us, as we onward rod,

A martial form our further progress barr'd.

He seem'd as tho' he there did list'ning stand, His face deep muffi'd in his folded cloak; Now threw it wide, snatch'd quick my dubious hand,

And to a neighbouring tent his speed betook.

With glowing crimson the pavilion shone,
Reflected by the lofty taper's ray,

The polish'd armour, bright, and deft to don,
Beside the royal couch in order lay.]

The crown imperial glitter'd in mine eye, With various gems magnificently grac'd; Nigh which, as meant to guard its dignity, A weighty cutlass was unsheathed plac'd.

The chief unbonnetted, and drew me nigh, Wrap'd in a deepen'd gloom his face appear'd,

Like the dark lou'rings of the clouded sky, E'er the big bursting tempest's voice is heard.

Revenge, impatience, all that mads the soul,

All that despair and frenzy's flame in

spires,

Shewn by the tapers, in his eyes did roll, Hot meteors they, amid the lesser fires.

- Tho' each dark line I could not freely scan, Yet thro' the veil of his distemper'd mien, Broke forth a likeness of that lofty man,

Whom' whilom at the palace I had seen.

To quell his feelings huge he sternly tri'd, Strong combat held he with his fighting

soul,

Cresting himself with more than earthly pride,

As tho' some pow'r supreme he scorn'd controul.

At length (in part subdu'd his troubl'd breast) On my impatient ear these accents broke, I pale and trembling as th'attentive priest, Who waits th' inspirings of his mystic oak!

Wonder no more why thou art hither brought, "The secret of thy birth shall now be

shewn ;

"With gloricus ardour be thy bosom fraught "For know, thou art imperial Richard's Son. *

* Richard III.

"Thou royal issue of Plantagenet,

"Soon as my pow'r hath quell'd these loud alarms,

"Thou shalt be known, be honour'd, and be great.

Rise from the ground, and dry thy flowing

tears,

"To Nature's dues be other hours as

sign'd,

Beset with foes, solicitude, and cares,
"Far other thoughts must now possess
thy mind.

"Tomorrow, boy, I combat for my crown, "To shield from soil my dignity and fame :

"Presumptuous Richmond seeks to win

renown,

"And on my ruin raise his upstart name.

"He leads yon shallow renegado band, "Strangers to war and hazardous enterprize,

And 'gainst the mighty chieftains of the land,

“Vain and unskill'd, a desp'rate conflict tries.

"Yet, since assurance is not giv'n to

man,

"Nor can ev'n kings command th' eyent

of war,

"Since peevish chance can foil the subtlest plan

"Of human skill, and hurl our schemes in air.

"To-morrow's sun beholds me conqueror, "Or sees me low among the slaughter'd

lie,

"Richard shall never grace a victor's car, "But glorious win the field, or glorious