He leapt into the water, Romance and Reality He gript Earl Haldan's daughter, That rover young and bold; He shore her locks of gold: "Go weep, go weep, proud maiden, The tale is full to-day. Now, hey, bonny boat, and ho, bonny boat, CHARLES KINGSLEY. Romance of the Swan's Nest "Mid the beeches of a meadow, She has thrown her bonnet by; In her hands, all sleek and dripping Little Ellie sits alone, And the smile she softly uses, Fills the silence like a speech; Romance and Reality While she thinks what shall be done, And the sweetest pleasure chooses, For her future within reach. Riding on a steed of steeds! That swan's nest among the reeds. 66 And the steed shall be red-roan With an eye that takes the breath, As his sword strikes men to death. "And the steed it shall be shod And the mane shall swim the wind: "But my lover will not prize He will say, 'O Love, thine eyes 66 Then, ay, then he shall kneel low With the red-roan steed anear him Which shall seem to understand Till I answer, 'Rise and go! For the world must love and fear him "Then he will arise so pale, 6 With a yes 'Light to-morrow with to-day.' "Then he'll ride among the hills To the wide world past the river, There to put away all wrong: To make straight distorted wills, And to empty the broad quiver Which the wicked bear along. "Three times shall a young foot-page Swim the stream and climb the mountain And kneel down beside my feet 6 Lo! my master sends this gage, Lady, for thy pity's counting! What wilt thou exchange for it?' "And the first time, I will send A white rosebud for a guerdon,— And the second time a glove: Romance and Reality Romance and Reality But the third time-I may bend "Then the young foot-page will runThen my lover will ride faster, Till he kneeleth at my knee: 'I am a duke's eldest son! Thousand serfs do call me master,— But, O Love, I love but thee!' "He will kiss me on the mouth Through the crowds that praise his deeds: Unto him I will discover That swan's nest among the reeds." Little Ellie, with her smile Not yet ended, rose up gayly, Tied the bonnet, donned the shoe- What more eggs were with the two. Pushing through the elm-tree copse And a rat had gnawed the reeds. Ellie went home sad and slow: With his red-roan steed of steeds, Romano ana Realuy Lochinvar Oh, young Lochinvar is come out of the west; Through all the wide Border his steed was the best; And save his good broad-sword he weapons had none; He rode all unarmed, and he rode all alone. He stayed not for brake, and he stopped not for stone; He swam the Eske river where ford there was none; But, ere he alighted at Netherby gate, The bride had consented, the gallant came late: |