So saying, thro' the fragrant shade Gently along he led the maid, While Manchon round and round her played: And, as that silent glen they leave, Where by the spring the pitchers stand, Where glow-worms light their little lamps at eve, And fairies revel as in fairy-land, (When Lubin calls, and Blanche steals round, Her finger on her lip, to see; And many an acorn-cup is found Under the greenwood tree) From every cot above, below, They gather as they go Sabot, and coif, and collerette, The housewife's prayer, the grandam's blessing! Girls that adjust their locks of jet, And look and look and linger yet, The lovely bride caressing; Babes that had learnt to lisp her name, And heroes he had led to fame. But what felt D'Arcy, when at length And when, her fit of weeping o'er, And saw an old man sitting at the door, All, all the while-an awful distance keeping; And one, his little hand in hers, Who weeps to see his sister weeping. She clasped her father's knees and spoke, While D'Arcy as before looked on, 66 His praises from your lips I heard, Till my fond heart was won; And, if in aught his Sire has erred, Oh turn not from the Son! So saying, thro' the fragrant shade While Manchon round and round her played: And, as that silent glen they leave, Where by the spring the pitchers stand, Where glow-worms light their little lamps at eve, And fairies revel as in fairy-land, (When Lubin calls, and Blanche steals round, Her finger on her lip, to see; And many an acorn-cup is found Under the greenwood tree) From every cot above, below, They gather as they go Sabot, and coif, and collerette, The housewife's prayer, the grandam's blessing! Girls that adjust their locks of jet, And look and look and linger yet, The lovely bride caressing; Babes that had learnt to lisp her name, And heroes he had led to fame. But what felt D'Arcy, when at length -Nor can'st thou, D'Arcy, feel resentment long; For D'Arcy's tears bedewed his hand; All things by all forgot, forgiven. And that dear Saint-may she once more descend To make our home a heaven!— But now, in my hands, yours with hers unite. A father's blessing on your heads alight! Nor let the least be sent away. All hearts shall sing Adieu to sorrow!' And old and young shall dance to-morrow." Had Louis* then before the gate dismounted, Like Henry when he heard recounted+ The generous deeds himself had done, *Louis the Fourteenth. Alluding to a popular story related of Henry the Fourth of France; similar to ours of "The King and Miller of Mansfield." |