THE BRIDAL OF TRIERMAIN. INTRODUCTION. I. COME, LUCY! While 't is morning hour, Round petty isles the runnels glide, II. Nay, why this hesitating pause? Like thine, though timid, light, and slim, From stone to stone might safely trip, That this same stalwart arm of mine, Which could yon oak's prone trunk uprear, Shall shrink beneath the burden dear Of form so slender, light, and fine.So, now, the danger dared at last, Look back, and smile at perils past! III. And now we reach the favourite glade, To break affection's whispering tone, That fain would spread the invidious tale, How Lucy of the lofty eye, Noble in birth, in fortunes high, She for whom lords and barons sigh, Meets her poor Arthur in the dale. IV. How deep that blush!-how deep that sigh! And why does Lucy. shun mine eye? Is it because that crimson draws Than the dull glance of common men, Pride mingled in the sigh her voice, And shared with Love the crimson glow; Well pleased that thou art Arthur's choice, Yet shamed thine own is placed so low: Thou turn'st thy self-confessing cheek, As if to meet the breeze's cooling; Then, Lucy, hear thy tutor speak, For Love, too, has his hours of schooling. V. Too oft my anxious eye has spied Too oft, when through the splendid hall, With such a blush and such a sigh! Thou wouldst not yield, for wealth or rank, The heart thy worth and beauty won, Nor leave me on this mossy bank, To meet a rival on a throne: |