noble mansion on his patrimony which lord Clifford would reach on his return from exile. It was, in fact, the most magnificent of the four structures, as its remains yet testify; and in the great hall, which occupied one of the stories of the massive Norman tower, did the friends and retainers of lord Clifford assemble to celebrate his restoration. Here also, there can be little doubt, as she survived the happy event six years*, came his mother, lady Clifford, and with her, in all probability, the venerable partner of her days, sir Lancelot Threlkeld. The scene of festivity which we may suppose to have taken place on this occasion has furnished to one of the most original poets of the present day a pleasing opportunity for the exercise of his talents; and as the song of exultation which, for this purpose, he has put into the mouth of the family minstrel, is beautifully illustrative of the character and She died at Londsborough, where, on a plain brass near the altar of the church, may be read the following inscription in black letter, the oldest memorial of the family, says Whitaker, now remaining: "Orate pro anima Margarete D'ne Clyfford, et Vescy, olim sponse nobilissimi viri Joh's D'ni Clifford et Westmorland, filie et heredis Henrici Bromflet quondam D'ni Vescy, ac matris Henrici Domini Clyfford, Westmorland, et Vescy, quæ obiit xv die mens' Aprilis, Anno Domini MCCCCICI. cujus corpus sub hoc marmore est humatum." disposition of lord Clifford, and of some of the incidents which befel him during his sojourn in the wilds of Cumberland, I shall not, I am convinced, be accused of irrelevancy in transferring it hither. SONG AT THE FEAST OF BROUGHAM CASTLE, UPON THE RESTORATION OF LORD CLIFFORD, THE SHEPHERD, TO THE ESTATES AND HONOURS OF HIS ANCESTORS. High in the breathless hall the minstrel sate, A festal strain that hath been silent long. "From Town to Town, from Tower to Tower, Her thirty years of Winter past, She lifts her head for endless spring, For everlasting blossoming: The two that were at strife are blended, Joy! joy to both! but most to her They came with banner, spear, and shield ; How glad is Skipton at this hour- Of all her guardian sons bereft― Knight, Squire, or Yeoman, Page or Groom; We have them at the Feast of Brough'm. How glad Pendragon-though the sleep Of years be on her!-She shall reap A taste of this great pleasure, viewing Oh! it was a time forlorn When the Fatherless was born- ‹ Blissful Mary, Mother mild, Now who is he that bounds with joy On Carrock's side, a shepherd boy? No thoughts hath he but thoughts that pass Light as the wind along the grass. Can this be he who hither came In secret, like a smother'd flame ? O'er whom such thankful tears were shed For shelter, and a poor man's bread! God loves the child; and God hath willed Alas! when evil men are strong, No life is good, no pleasure long. The boy must part from Mosedale's groves, A recreant harp that sings of fear |