THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES /* <: wX THE ABM! THE SWOBD! AND THE HOUK! HZfye argent? of tye ISncfcantefc totn OF MTJS^TJS. BY M. G. KENNEDY, ESQ. Umbantio. Are there not charms, By which the properties of youth and oraidhood May be abused? Have you not read, Eoderigo, Of some such thing? Ruder igo. Yes. Sir; I have indeed! LONDON: LONGMAN, BROWN, GREEN, AND LONGMAN. 1850. DEDICATION. tjje Hiarag (interntnm THIS GREAT AND MIGHTY KINGDOM ie Tfimt, TO THE RICHEST! TO THE POOREST' following WRITTEN EXPBESSLY FOB THE AMUSEMENT AND INSTBUCTION OF YOUTH, IS DEDICATED BY THE AUTHOR. PREFACE. THE Legends of Musaeus are sufficiently popular to render my humble praise a work of supereroga- tion. Wieland, the Voltaire of Germany, review- ing the Legend of " The Three Sisters," the ground work of my poem, says : " This work in its kind is one of the best publications of late years so rich in the most splendid literary productions. The tale may be, without the slightest danger, put into the hands of every youth. Far from corrupt- ing the heart, it is, on the contrary, adapted to develope in young heads the ideas which ought to germ there. At my age (seventy), I have con- secrated considerable time to superintend a new edition of this work." Khol, describes it as a singular and beautiful Fairy Legend, " which may be read to advantage by children of the largest growth." VI PREFACE. Paul de Kock has published a translation of it in France, with great success. In his preface he remarks : " The popular Fancy Stories of Musacus are entertaining as well as moral. In every line the author excites our curiosity and amuses our imagi- nation; and at the same time neglects not to present ridicule in its true light, to chastise vice, and to throw irony and satire upon folly and prejudice. If Museeus had only written the Chronicle of the Three Sisters, that story alone would have been sufficient to establish his reputation, and to place him upon a level with the first authors of Germany. None of the tales of the Thousand and one Nights T-HSO rich in beauties and wonders can enter the lists against this production, in which the author has lavished all the treasures of fairyism." I must now comply with the promise contained in page 169, and inform the youthful reader tiiat the German Legend is curious enough to inform us that, at the end of the festival at 'the Castle of the Baron Earndolf, his three Sons'-in-law de- parted. Reginald, heir of the county, always remained with his parents, and closed their eyes, as a dutiful son ought. Arthur, the Bear, bought PREFACE. vif the county Askania, and founded the town of Scarborough, (Bernburg.) It is the capital of the principality of Anhalt, and situate on the river Lata, five leagues from Dessau, and fottt from Magdeburg. The river separates the aflcient and stately castle from the town. Edgar, the Eagle, went into Helvetia, where in the shadow of the high Alps, he founded the town of Eagleborough, upon a river, at that time without a name, but afterwards called the Eagle, from the town which it watered. Eagleborough or Aarbarg is a town in Helvetia, on the river Aar, (Eagle) which unites with the Rhine, equalling it in si2e, at the junction. The town is situate in the canton of Berne, nine leagues from Basle. It has a fortress erected on the summit of a steep and lofty rock. Ufo, the Dolphin, went with an army into Burgundy, con- quered part of the country, and called the con- quered province the Dolphinate, (Le Dauphine). The Dolphinate is a province of France, forty-two leagues in length, thirty-four broad. Ufo Guignes, called the Dolphin, seized the province in the year 879. From him the first born son of his successors was called the Dolphin, in French, (Le Dauphin) Viii PREFACE. which title was transferred to the eldest son of the kings of France, when they obtained possession of the Dolphinate ; and as the three Princes had given names to their towns and dynasties in re- membrance of their enchantment they took also the forms of beast, bird, and fish, as symbols in their coats of arms. Therefore it is that the town of Scarborough has for its coat of arms a bear ; the town of Eagleborough, an eagle ; and the Dolphi- nate, a dolphin. The precious pearls worn on gala days by the terrestrian goddesses in the Courts of Europe, and generally believed of oriental origin, may be, perhaps, those taken from the en- chanted lake in the enchanted forest, and were " once on a time" in the linen sacks of the old hunting castle. With these explanatory remarks, I take my leave of my young friends and readers ; earnestly hoping they may derive not only amusement, but instruction from the following pages, and profit by what they read. M. G. K. Church Fields, January, 1850. THE ARMI-THE SWORD I-AND THE HOUR OB, of t\u ISnc&antetr BOOK L SECTION I. lago. Poor, and content, is rich, and rich enough. Othello. SHEWING HOW A CERTAIN MIGHTY BARON, LORD EARNDOLF, BEING IN GREAT PROSPERITY FOOLISHLY DISSIPATED THE SAME, AND BY SUCH WASTE AND EXTRAVAGANCE BROUGHT HIMSELF TO RUIN. ONCE on a time, our legend saith, A mighty Baron thrived In flocks, and crops, and cash beside, And so this Baron wired. 10 A FEAST ! A FEAST ! Kind Providence the union bless'd With children, Graces three ; Three lovelier maidens mortal eyes Might scarcely hope to see. The Baroness and Baron bold With pride their offspring scann'd ; And many an anxious hope was rais'd And airy castles plann'd. " A Feast ! a Feast !" Lord Earndolf cried, " The chase, and then the feast ; " The feast, the dance, the merry hour; " The altar, and the priest !" Then gallant Knights and Troubadours Sped to that ancient hall ; And brimming cups were fill'd and drain'd At midnight festival LOVE'S HOME. 11 'Twas wassailry the live-long night, Wild sports the live-long day ; And tournament, and revelry, And idle games of play. Pages and liveried lackies there Were ready at the need ; And bell-mouth'd hounds, and falcons rare, And barbs of nimblest speed. Then smil'd the Baroness to think, And smil'd the Baron too ; Who should their lovely children win, Or who should only woo. But love dwells not with revelry, More hallow'd is his mood ; Then seek not love in noisy halls But in calm solitude. 12 THRIFT .IS FORTUNE. A meek and blue-eyed heav'nly guest In the lone heart he dwells ; And to himself the whispered thought Of pure affection tells. Then marvel not that to that hall Of merriment and noise ; Love never came with happy face To join their feverish joys. The fleetest steed will tire at length, The deepest well may dry : The longest purse must find an end When thrift's no longer by. So with the Baron bold, at last His bounties felt excess ; And since his coffers could no mor, His heart must do the less. WASTE IS WANT. 18 By overweening pride oppress'd He scorn'd his state to own ; And grasp'd at every passing straw, Unwilling yet to drown. To the rich burghers of the town His lands in mortgage fell ; The money-changers in the mart His plate and jewels sell. At length his servants he dismiss'd ; Then sped his guests away ; For poverty and friends dance not Together on a day. Steed after steed a market price Sent home a market store ; At last the needy beggar turn'd In sorrow from the door. LABOUR SURE. And what remains the Baron now ? His halls deserted be ! Still he hath left a virtuous wife, And lovely daughters three. And 'mid his fortune's dark decay, In that secluded pile, His hours pass one by one away "Without one cheering smile O ! what were pomp and grand parade ? ! what was fashion now ? Better the maidens had been taught, To milk, to brew, or sew. And when the humbled Baroness Would to the pantry look, Her heart misgiving, seem'd to mourn She had not been a cook. PRIDE FALLS. 15 Poor fare was theirs ; no seething pots, No rich and savoury stews ; No frothing jugs, no flowing cups ; 'Twas neither pick nor choose. Potatoes boil'd, poor meagre fare For pamper'd appetite, Were all the castle now could boast ; So sad the Baron's plight. Such sorry cheer, such frugal meals Did very ill accord To suit the stomach, or the taste, Of that proud pamper'd Lord. Each day more surly and morose His heated temper grew ; Until his ill and savage mood No decent bearing knew. 16 DISTRESS. The castle echo'd to his oaths, So wild and loud were they ; Then from her lord the Baroness Would turn in grief away. In sorrow pin'd those lovely maids, Those high and peerless dames ; Accursed seem'd their earthly lot, And scorn'd their very names. For though the plague pestiferous, And Java's fatal tree, Have power to blight, such blight is nought Compar'd with poverty. A HUNTING WE WILL GO. 17 SECTION II. Sebastian. A living drollery: Now I will believe That there are unicorns; that, in Arabia There is one tree, the phoenix throne; one phoenix At this hour reigning there. Antonio, I'll believe both, And what does else want credit, come to me, And I'll be sworn 'tis true. The Tempest. SHOWING HOW THE BARON, IN GREAT DISTRESS, OOES INTO THE WOOD TO SEEK VENISON HOW IN THE WOOD, WHICH 18 EN- CHANTED, HE ENCOUNTERS A TALKING BEAR, WHOSE HONEI TREES THE BARON HAD DISCOVERED -AND ROBBED HOW THE BEAR THREATENS TO DEVOUR THE BARON, AND THE TERRIBLK CONDITIONS ON WHICH THE BEAR CONSENTS TO SPARE THE BARON'S LIFE. IT is the morn, a glorious morn, A sunny morn in June ; The lark is piping in the sky A sweet and merry tune. 18 THE FOREST. Up with, the lark the Baron starts And takes his hunting spear ; And to the forest glade he hies To slay the dainty deer. That forest was a fearsome spot, And known for leagues around, The haunt of wicked gnomes and elves, The foul-fiend's hunting ground. The Baron fear'd no gnome, nor fiend, With courage tried and told ; Besides a hungry stomach makes The veriest chicken bold. So stoutly march'd the Baron on, Unmindful of his way ; But all in vain his eager eye Look'd for the hoped-for prey. A STRANGE BEAST. 19 Wearied at length, beside a stream He stoop'd him down to drink ; Then underneath an oak he sat, To eat, perchance to think. " Gramercy ! mine's a scanty stock, " Potatoes water salt " O ! where be now the loins of beef, " The Ehenish and the malt? " Where be they, where ?" and wondering if An echo would reply ; He rais'd his lids, and lo ! behold ! What did his vision spy ? A bear, a most ferocious bear, With most ferocious stride, With glaring eyes, and shaggy brow, And a still shaggier hide. THE BEAST REASONS. Marching in solemn guise as though His Highness seem'd to say, " Who, Sir, are you ? and may I ask Your business here to-day ?" The Baron started to his feet And grasp'd his sturdy spear : " And who are you that dare demand " What is my business here ?" The bear turn'd up his haughty nose And wink'd his blood-red eye ; " Your question, valiant Knight," said he, " Needs question for reply." " But first, as from intruder bold, " I now demand of thee, " Why dost thou trespass, robber ! here, " To rob my honey tree ?" THE KNIGHT IS ALARMED. " Hath not the earth hath not the stream, " Their treasures essay'd ; " That each demand be satisfied " When such demand is made ?" " And when ye waste and dissipate " The power that makes ye strong ; " Ye come with recreant steps nor stint " To offer nature wrong !" " Bobber ! the honey trees are mine, " Prepare then for the strife ; " The treasur'd sweets now lost to me " Demand thy worthless life." " Alas !" the suppliant Baron cried, " As I'm an honest Knight, " I covet not thy honied sweets, " Nor question here thy right. THE KNIGHTS OFFER. " But if thou'lt join in my repast, " Although 'tis humble fare ; " Then welcome be, and welcome sit, " And welcome share and share." Thereon the Baron op'd his pouch, And to the Bear reveal'd, Potatoes which no Irishman Would wish to have re-peal'd. " Potatoes !" quoth the rugged bear, " Potatoes ! faith, your nice ! " Wretch ! think'st thou, thou can'st life redeem " At such ignoble price ? " Think of thy feastings in thine hall, " Thy countless treasures spent ; " Think of thy follies past and then " Repent fond fool, repent. THE BEAST S DEMAND. " No ! thou thy life may'st not redeem " At such vain price as this ; " But yet within thy power remains " Thy ransom, and my bliss. " Hark, Baron ! thou a daughter fair " Hast in thy castle hold ; " Annie her name, and for her hand " I make an offer bold. " Thy loveliest daughter, she must be " A bear's affianc'd bride ; " Or now beneath my fangs must flow " Thy being's blood-red tide." " She shall be thine," the Baron said, Oozing at every pore ; And twenty more he would have given If he'd had eighteen more. 24 A CURIOUS BARGAIN. " But, my lord Bear, conditions rest " Which bridegrooms all esteem ; " Come then, and with accustom'd gifts " Thy lovely bride redeem." " A bargain ! bargain !" cried the bear ; " An hundred weight of gold " Shall be upon our wedding feast " Into thy coffers told." " Agreed ! agreed !" the Baron said, " Your hand !" exclaimed the Bear, " And in seven days depend upon't, " Good Baron, I'll be there." Quick as a rail-train when express, Into the thicket sped The charmed Bear ; as quickly too, The Baron to his bed. SECTION lit. Approach thou like the rugged Russian bear The arm'd rhinoceros, or the Hyrcan tiger, Take any shape. Macbeth. SHOWING THE CONSTERNATION OF THE BAKONESS AND HER DAUSH- 1 TEHS UPON HEARING FROM THE BARON THAT HE HAD SOLD HIS ELDEST DAUGHTER TO A BEAR, HOW THE BEAR REDEEMED HER IN SEVEN DAYS WITH AN HUNDRED-WEIGHT OF GOLDEN DOUBLOONS, HOW THE BARON AND BARONESS WASTED THEIR TREASURE FOOLISHLY AS BEFORE, HOW THEY WERE AGATN REDUCED TO PENURY, SHOWING ALSO HOW 1 THE BARON SOUGHT THE FOREST AGAIN, AND ENCOUNTERED A TALKING EAGLE, WHO REMONSTRATED WITH HIM, HOW THE EAGLE WOULD HATE SLAIN THE BARON FOR TRESPASS, BUT THAT THE BARON CONSENTED TO GIVE THE EAGLE HIS SECOND DAUGHTER IN If ARRIAGE, AND HOW THE BARON RECEIVES TWO GOLDEN EGGS AN HUNDRED-WEIGHT EACH IN EXCHANGE FOR HIS CHILD; A*TD ALSO SHOWING THE MIRACULOUS MANNER IN WHICH BOTH THE BEAR AND EAGLE FETCHED AWAY THEIR BRIDES, HOW THE BARON IS IMPRACTICABLE TO EXPERIENCE, WASTES HI9 TREASURES, AND GETS AGAIN INTO TROUBLE. A BEAR that talks, the Baron thought, Must be some wicked fairy ; Besides he scarcely seem'd to like A son-in-law so hairy. 26 WEAK RESOLUTIONS. So he resolved his doors to bar, His castle fortify, And bid defiance to the fiend And all his witchery. Next morning to his wondering spouse The wond'rous tale was told ; And wonder'd too those maidens three At Bear so grim and bold. But when the gentle Annie heard The Bear her mate must be ; She started, shriek'd, then, shuddering, fell In death-like apathy. " My child, my child," the Baron cried, " While there is moat and wall ; " While there's a sword, and this good arm, No ill shall thee befal." ARTHUR'S CHASE. 7 The maiden rent her flowing hair, Tears dimm'd her azure eyes ; But all in vain the seventh day came, To banish all surprise. High in the castle keep there sat The maiden so forlorn ; The morn was lovely as could be, She lovelier than the morn. Hark ! from the forest comes a noise, 'Tis Arthur's chase that comes, And earth and sky are filTd with sounds Like magic lutes and drums. And horses prance, and bugles bray, Wheels rattling roll along ; Till at the Baron'* castle gate Arrays the gallant throng. J THE ABDUCTION. The gate springs open in a trice, Down down the drawbridge falls ; There's little virtue now in locks, Or bolts, or bars, or walls. From off a blood, cream-coloured barb, A young Knight vaulting springs ; And mounts that lofty spiral tower On love's resistless wings. Quick as a falcon there he seiz'd The maid of beauteous charms ; And bore her to a carriage gay, Pale, trembling in his arms. But when she saw a gallant Knight, Deck'd out in jewels rare ; Her heart rejoiced to find her love A Knight and not a Bear I NO JOKE. 29 The Baron, who was snoring loud, Awaken'd by the din ; Just saw his daughter taken out As he was taken in. Away away the chariot rolTd Which held the lovely fair ; " Adieu !" the raving father cried, " Thou bride of an old Bear !" But Annie from the carriage look'd, To soothe her parent's grief; And with her lily hand she wav'd Her lily handkerchief. Sad was the Baroness to hear The grim and dismal tale ; And, taking first a pinch of snuff, She next began to wail. 1 THE MAGPIE. Up to the watch-tower then she sped " My daughter daughter where, " Where hast thou gone ?'* she frantic cried,- " Ah ! must thou wed a Bear ?" " A Bear ! why not ?" a chattering voice Replied, " there's many a dame, " Much like yourself, with Bear for spouse, " In every thing hut name.*' " But mourn not, Ladye, take this key, " This silver key so bright ; f * And in four days your lord shall weigh " In gold an hundred- weight." The Baroness stared around about The speaker's form to spy ; When lo ! from forth the lattice flew Quaint Mag a chattering pie ! A SILVER KEY. 31 But on the sill the bird had dropp'd A glittering silver key ; And silver keys most ladies know Dispel much mystery. For three days moum'd the Baroness, The Baron mourn'd likewise : The fourth day brought an oaken ehest Which gladden'd both their eyes. The little glittering silver key Open'd that oaken chest, And there dispky'd the bright doubloons- In order paek'd and prest. Away with grief, away with sighs, Away with mumps and dumps ; The Baron's on his legs again, Once more he stirs his stumps. BACCHANALIANS, Poor Annie is forgotten quite ; And now again behold The vanities, and fopperies, And blandishments of gold. Chariots and horses now are bought, And servants hired, so trim ; And merry guests again crowd in To fool the Baron's whim. Women and wine their theme or sport, Neither would come amiss ; Then would they toast some neighbouring belle, Or sing some song like this : BACCHANALIAN SONG. A merry song, and a cheerful trowl, And let the song go round; A brimming cup, and a sparkling bowl, While mirth and joy abound: Away with sighs, and to ladies eyes, We'll drink while a cup is found. ' WANT OF CAUTION. 33 Fill up ! fill up, the sparkling cup, The Tine, boys, still for me; From the crystal cup, let's merrily sup The blood of the red grape tree; Away with sighs, and to ladies eyes, We'll drink from a ruby sea. The hemlock's juice may be dainty sprues To hearts oppress'd with care; But away with woe, and a flag of truce, Let us show to grim despair: Away with sighs, and to ladies eyes We'll drink, nor the goblet spare. Fill up! fill up, the sparkling cup, The vine, boys, still for me; From the crystal cup, let's merrily sup The blood of the red grape tree; Away with sighs, and to ladies eyes, We'll drink from a ruby sea. Now had the Baron put his gold To interest out that day, The chances are just two to one He might have paid his way. 34 CREDIT AND CREDITORS. But principal when on the wane, Though a full hundred-weight, With folly as a Seneschal, Will very soon grow light. And so the Baron found at last His costly treasure gone ; And in the oaken chest remain'd Of his doubloons not one \ Credit he sought, and credit stalks The tempting ghost. of debt ; Until at length stern creditors His castle gate beset. Horses and hounds again were sold, The last resources drain'd ; 'Till nothing but one falcon fierce- To that proud lord remain'd. THE EAGLE APPEARS. He took the bird upon his sleeve And to the fields he sped ; VISBS. " And who art thou ?" the laughing fair In cheerful accents said ; " I'm Reginald," the Knight replied, " Here to your rescue led." Her brother bold, fair Bertha knew, Since from, her lord she'd heard> How he'd been welcom'd by the beast, How feasted by the bird. Still Bertha was a timid soul, So bade the Knight begone ; And, kissing Reginald, she said, " O ! leave me, dear, alone." " Though brother Bear will not devour " Your young and daring heart : " Though brother Eagle spares your eyes, " And bids you safe depart :" 134 NO ENCOURAGEMENT. " Ufo has no such tender qualms, " He'll break this crystal hall ; " I shall be drown' d, and you, alas ! " Into his jaws must fall." " Fear not !" said Reginald, " I know " His transformation's nigh ; " So hide me, Bertha, since from hence " Alone I will not fly." " Where can I hide you, brother, dear I " This mansion as you see ; " Is one huge mass of crystal bright, " Transparent as may be." " And round and round its walls the fish " Incessantly doth roair, " To see that neither fr'ends nor aid " To my deliverance come." A SUB-MARINE CELLAR. 135 " O ! is there not a single spot, " Impervious to the sight?" Said Reginald, when Bertha's eyes Sparkl'd with dear delight. " ! yes," she said, " methinks there is " A cellarage built for wood, " To keep our firing faggots dry " From moisture and the flood." So in the fuel-room she turn'd Her brother, as she said, " Breathe but a word, and I'll not be " The surety for your head." Into the wood-house crept the Knight, She scarce had squeez'd him in When Ufo round the crystal hall, Kick'd up a precious din. 136 THE GREEN-EYED MONSTER. He rais'd his fins, he whisk'd his tail, And with his nostrils wide, Ejected what he'd swallow'd first Of that enchanted tide. The waters foam'd, the waters boil'd ; For Ufo, jealous grown, Suspected Bertha, so he gave His pretty wife a frown. Yet still he lov'd her very mucli, And lov'd to gaze upon her ; And though she question'd not his taste, He thought he would her honour. " Bertha !" said he, " methinks I saw " A young Knight swimming by !" Bertha could not 4 en y the fact, So she began to cry. WOMAN'S TEARS. 137 And " woman's tears produc'd at will," Gain sometimes what they wish ; And in the present case they sooth 'd The anger of a fish. When Ufo saw the trickling tear His heart relented quite ; " Weep not, dear love !" he fondly said, Then darted out of sight. For three long days did Reginald Within the woodhouse dwell ; The fourth day wrought a wond'rous change To crystal hall and cell. A kingly palace then appear'd Upon a sun-lit isle ; And nature in her brightest robes- Was seen around to smile. K 138 FAIRY LAND. And other islands crowded round, Cover'd with shrubs and trees, And gilded barques around them moved Without a tide or breeze. For elfin ships move on like steam, Both against wind and tide ; Or in a rough tempestuous sea May safe at anchor ride. And such was Ufo's charm'd domain, A pretty portraiture ; Just fancy Venice, how 'twould look If shown in miniature. "When Ufo saw Sir Reginald He took him by the hand ; And said : " Dear brother, welcome be " To this, our pleasant land." TRANSFORMATION THREE. 139 " But to a brief and little month " Be limited your stay, " For then your safety will demand, " That you must hence away." " Six months in seven a magic spell " Works on my mortal frame, " And then I am a fiendish fish " In deeds, as well as name." " What is the spell ?" said Reginald, " That spell I must destroy !" Ufo was pleas'd, but only smil'd Upon the daring boy. " O ! teU me, Ufo, brother dear ;" Again the young Knight spoke ; " What is this spell which binds you here " Like Milo to his oak." 140 MORE REVELATIONS. Then Ufo told, how Zornebock By wond'rous charms had wrought His magic work, and into thrall Himself and brothers brought. How Hildegarde was laid entranc'd In some enchanted cave, To yield unto his foul embrace, Or fill a living grave. " But/' said Prince Ufo, " east away " Despair's cold mantle now, " For since 'tis festival in hall " "We must be merry too." " Come join the feast, and then the dance, ' f And let us all be gay ; " Four pleasant weeks, a little month, " "Will pass too soon away !" MORE REVELRY. 141 'Tis mirth in palace, and in field, On water, and on shore ; Such revelry upon those isles Had ne'er been known before. For Ufo by some chance divin'd How Reginald the brave Had dared the forest, and resolved To dare th' enchanted wave. Pass'd on three weeks in merriest guise In feast, and dance, and song ; The fourth had come, that also too Was passing quick along. When Ufo said to Reginald ; " Dear brother, soon must end " The festive hour, and we must cease " To meet as friend meets friend." 142 MORE WARNINGS. " But yesterday I sought your hall " And saw Lord Earndolf there, " Your mother too ; and both are lost " In sorrow and despair." " Return thee home, brave Reginald, " And seek to comfort those " Who but for thee must share in grief " An over-weight of woes." " Your sisters three may none redeem, " No solace may they have : " Let not your parents then go down " In sorrow to the grave." " For none our magic chains may break ; " The spell hath potent power ; " Who rends it, must be pure, and watch " Unceasingly, THE HOUR ! MORE ADVICE. 143 " There needeth then the unstained blade, " And, the unflinching arm ; " But it must be an upright heart " To which must yield the charm." As Reginald with Ufo now Had been three weeks and more ; He something heard, and something learnt More serious than before. " To break the spell," he said, " requires " An upright heart, and pure ; " But more than this the fiend demands To make the conquest sure." .. " There must be an unflinching arm," " That's mine !" the young Knight said ; " And there must be a stainless sword ! " Mine's an unspotted blade." 144 MORE CAUTION. " Then I must watch unceasingly ; " How strange these mysteries seem ?" Then thought he of the rivers three, His sisters, and his dream. As thus absorb'd in reverie Once more Prince Ufo spake ; " Come, Reginald, my brother dear, " From dreaming, boy, awake !" " And bid farewell, to Bertha there, " While yet the Hour is thine ; ({ I cannot promise half as much, " Whene'er the Hour is mine." Again the brothers then embrac'd ; When Ufo gave the Knight A little box, cut from a clear, And perfect crysolite. THE THIBD CURIOUS GIFT. 145 " This little box/' said he, " contains " Three scales, white, yellow, blue ; " Do not disdain the gift, because " A fish once own'd them too." " Then," added Ufo, seriously, " When danger threatens nigh ; " Rub but these scales, and you will find " Your truest friend is by." " Adieu ! my brother !" and Adieu !" Said Reginald, while tears Furrow'd the young Knight's cheeks, for now Doubt had confirm'd his fears. Into a gilded gondola He slowly, sadly stept ; And weary, and oppressed with grief, The youthful hero slept. 146 A SHAKSPEAREAN QUOTATION. Two gondoliers row'd on row'd on Row'd on two gondoliers ; And sang and chaunted merrily, Unheard by mortal ears. When lo ! 'mid mist, the palaces, The isles, and gardens fair, Had mingl'd ; as "Will. Shakespere says, And " melted into air." Upon the margin of the lake Was Reginald once more ; Precisely on the very spot Where he had stood before. And there he found his armour bright, His shield and trusty spear ; E'en just, as when four weeks ago The Knight had left them there. BEWARE OF RASH VOWS. 147 Upon the ground knelt Reginald, And made a solemn vow, But what it was, we will not stop To sing about it now* For vows are very solemn things ; Fearful ! when rashly made : Remember Jeptha ! if thou would'st Not find thy heart betray'd. The spoken word can none recal ; Then give thy thoughts due weight, The better chance there'll be to find " Whatever is is RIGHT !" END OF BOOK II. THE AKM! THE SWOKDI-AND THE HOUK! OB, ?irgrnH of tljc i-ncJjaittetr BOOK III. SECTION I. Prospero. How's the day? Ariel. On the sixth hour; at which time, my lord, You said our work should cease. The Tempest. SHOWING HOW SIB REGINALD, THE DAUNTLESS, PURSUED HIS QUEST RESOLVED TO BREAK THE ENCHANTER'S SPELL, OR DIE ! HOW HE DISCOVERED THE MAGIC CAVERN, WHICH WAS GUARDED BY A MAGIC BULL, HOW HE ENCOUNTERED THE BULL, WHO THREW HIM INTO A PEAR TREE, AND HOW HE MUST HAVE BEEN THROWN DOWN AGAIN AND SLAIN HAD HE NOT BETHOUGHT HIM OF HIS THREE WONDERFUL BROTHERS* THREE WONDERFUL GIFTS, HOW HE FULFILLED THEIR INJUNCTIONS, AND THE JOY- FUL RESULTS OF SUCH FAITH, LEADING TO THE OVERTHROW Of TRANSGRESSION AND WRONG, AND THE FINAL TRIUMPH OF VALOUR AND JUSTICE. IT was a night a lovely night, A night of glittering stars : And sweetly beam'd bright Venus forth, And redly glisten'd Mars. 150 ECHO SONG. And through the wood, bold Reginald, Went plodding on his way : How very natural 'twas he long'd To see the break of day. To make the road less tedious seem He warbledjbrth a ditty That breath'd a fervent suppliant strain, Night-echo^seem'd to pity. THE ECHO SONG. Say! who can guide my wandering feet, Now, now astray ? (Echo.) Now, now astray I To where three rolling rivers meet, Far, far away? (Echo.) Far, faraway! 'Tis there alone, One mighty arm, Can rend this strong and magic charm; There, there alone! (Echo.) There, there alone! Ye translunarian powers on high Look on me down! (Echo.) Look on me down! And grant such mortal destiny, Mine, mine alone! (Echo.) Mine, mine alone! To conquest on! The soldier cries, And midnight echo soft replies, To conquest on! (Echo.) To conquest on! A MAGIC BULL. 151 The morning dawn'd, and from the wood A granite mountain rose, Whose sides were fring'd with firs and yews, And crown'd with cypress boughs. Close to its base a monument Of blackest marble stood ; Its bright steel portals bound with brass Were spotted o'er with blood. Before the monument, a large Fierce Bull was grazing seen : His eyes were greener than the grass, Though that was very green. His tail was longer than a pine, Though pines are very long ; His hoofs were stronger far than steel, Though steel is very strong. 152 THE KNIGHT DISCOMFITED. His hide was blacker than the night When nights are very black : Still thought bold Keginald, I'll give His Mightiness a crack. And so he drew his trusty sword And put him on his guard : But lo ! the blade was like a straw, His shield, an idle card- On rush'd the Bull ; but as he rush'd, The young Knight stepp'd aside ; And aim'd one blow upon his neck, Another on his hide. In splinters flew the glittering blade, Though 'twas Damascus steel ; So hors de combat thought the Knight, I'll try it, toe and heel. __ NOT SAFE YET. But in an instant, round the Bull Turn'd on his unarm'd foe ; And flung him twenty feet, or more, On to a pear tree's bough. The nimble Knight grip'd fast the branch, Though sore his limbs did chafe : " I'm here," said he, " but after all, " I'm not so very safe." For now, behold ! the savage Bull Was tearing up the sod, With horns which were with iron-tipp'd, And hoofs with iron-shod. At length the tree began to shake, Then shook the young Knight too ; For in such sad and doubtful plight What else could mortal do ? 154 BEAR'S GKEASE. At last he thought upon the words Which princely Arthur spoke ; And then as from some feverish dream, His sinking heart awoke. From out his vest, Sir Reginald, Next drew the little book ; A roar ! a rend ! a rend ! a roar ! Lo ! how that pear tree shook. Then thought the Knight there virtue is In grease that comes from bears : I'll try what necromancy lies In what he calls his hairs. So 'twixt his hands the hairs he rubb'd ; When rushing from the wood, Before the Bull, a mighty Bear In fierce defiance stood. QUACKERY EVEN IN MAGIC. 155 'Twas but a minute's work to seize* The wild Bull with his snout ; Then throwing him upon his back He ripp'd his entrails out. From out the Bull a wild duck flew, " Quack, quack," she cried, " quack, quack!" Quoth Reginald, " there's magic here, " And duckie must come back." And so he rubb'd the feathers three, His brother Edgar's gift ; " The Bear," said he, " has serv'd my stead, " I'll try the Eagle's drift." Swift as an arrow from a bow, Though unseen in the sky, An Eagle darted on the duck, And cleav'd her, head to thigh. 156 FISH SCALES. GOOD MEASURE. From out the duck a golden egg Was seen to fall, and take It's course, like fairy aeronaut, To a translucent lake. Yon egg, thought Reginald, contains The magic mystery : And next he thought, how to his power It might restored be. And then he thought upon the gift His brother Ufo gave : So rubb'd his scales, just as the egg Had reach'd the crystal wave. A mighty fish from thence arose And seiz'd the precious store ; Then flung it from his ponderous jaws Upon the sedgy shore. A GOLDEN KEY. 157 Sir Reginald took up the egg And dash'd it on the ground ; It broke, and vanish'd ; and, instead Of egg, a key he found. A golden key, all burnish'd bright, Studded with jewels o'er : " Belike," said he, " this key will ope " Yon monumental door." " 'Tis very small, but still I'll try . " What golden keys can do." It touch'd the wards, and open wide The iron portals flew. \ In rush'd the knight a mighty chasm There seem'd to be at first ; But soon into a rich domain The dim-lit region burst. 158 THE LADY HILDEGABDE, Beneath the canopy he saw A maiden fast asleep : He scream'd into her ears in vain, Her slumber was so deep. This was the Lady Hildegarde ; And mourn'd the Knight her doom : Yet knew not how to rescue her From forth her living tomb. He turn'd, and gaz'd upon the plain, Lo ! there three rivers met ; In brilliant hues their waves roll'd on, White, yellow, violet, And then again an island rose Amid the emerald stream, With altar grac'd, just as he'd seen, The same shrine. in his dream. six O'CLOCK. 159 Before him stood a snow-white slab Of alabaster made, And on the slab a two-edg'd sword With golden hilt was laid. He seiz'd the weapon : to his grasp It yielded, and it seem'd The very blade of which, beneath The lime tree he had dream'd. Above the slab an ancient clock (Its hands, a sword and arm,) Stood at ten minutes after six, Fix'd by the mighty charm. A dial told a different tale, For by the sinking sun 'Twas not yet six, but moments now "Were fast upon the run. 160 TEN MINUTES AFTER. ft The arm, and sword," said Reginald, " I feel now both are mine ; ft And lo ! the hour, that too is here, " Though far on the decline." His first thought then was to regain The island in the stream ; For now the Knight began to put Some faith upon his dream. A little shallop stoutly plied Soon brought the rower too : The marble altar now had chang'd To one of dusky hue. And on the plinth some warning words Seem'd Reginald to- ftx ; " Strike not,' they said, *' or strike before " Ten minutes after six." ANOTHER MYSTERY EXPLAINED. 161 Up went the arm of Reginald, Up went the two-edged blade ; A stunning blow he struck, and low The altar prostrate laid. The opening earth receiv'd the shrine, The waters pass'd away, And all around was green and bright Like a Midsummer's day. From her deep trance fair Hildegarde Started, and gaz'd around ; Nor knew she by what wond'rous power The spell had been unbound. But when she saw Sir Reginald Her heart's misgivings sped ; And to her bold deliverer's arms The timid creature fled. 162 ANOTHER TRANSFORMATION. " Fear not, fair maid/' said Reginald, " Whate'er of hope remains ; " I'll risk for thee, or die to break " Foul Demagorgon's chains." " But look what cavalcades are these " From north, and east, and west ? " With banners floating in the air, " Each Knight with lance in rest ?" And where they come on prancing steeds Along the dusty road ; Five minutes past three plenteous streams In winding currents flow'd. As Reginald, the wond'rous child, Saw the arm'd troops approach ; He recogniz'd his, sisters three, Each riding in her coach. TRUE HERALDRY. 163 And Hildegarde her brothers knew, Though long they'd sever'd been ; For elfin laws, as hath been sung, Mar not a mortal scene. First, from the north rode Arthur on, Upon his shield a bear Was blazon'd on a golden field ; All proper to a hair. Next from the east Prince Edgar came, And on his bossy shield A golden eagle proudly soar'd Upon an azure field. Then from the west rode Ufo last, A dolphin was his crest ; And on his shield of dazzling green Three dolphins were imprest. 164 ALL HUMANIZED. Beside them in three coaches rode Their lovely partners three ; And round them throng'd young gallant Knights And Squires of high degree. Arthur's three little cubs now show'd As three fine chubby girls ; With cherub faces, Titian ne'er Painted such cheeks and curls. The Eagle's egg had twins produc'd Two lively, lovely boys, To whom the starry Gemini Are constellated toys. On Bertha's knee, a merry lad, Smiling, in beauty sat ; Not quite so graceful, for he was y Like Ufo, rather fat. PLEASANT GREETINGS. 165 When they beheld fair Hildegarde The Knights their chargers left, And seiz'd their sister in their arms As men of sense bereft. And when the " child of wonder" saw His sisters of the train ; He kiss'd them once, he kiss'd them twice And thrice he kiss'd again. He took the two-edg'd magic blade And said, " with thee I've done, " Since thou for me three sisters dear, " And brothers three hast won." He flung the blade up high in air, It fell not down again : A mighty Albatross was seen Floating above the plain ; 166 THE DEATH OF ZORNEBOCK. His beak he fasten'd on the sword, Then flew with it away, But whence he came, or where he went, The legend doth not say. A steed ! a steed ! a coal-black steed, With rider mail'd in white, Upon the conclave gallops on, " News ! news !" exclaims the Knight And when that Knight his steed had rein'd He to the conclave said; " The enchanter Zornebock is slain ; " And they've cut off his head." " No more shall Demagorgon rule " For broken is the spell ; " Then hie ye home, Lord Earndolf waits " To greet his children well." THE " TIMES" REPORT. 167 On to the castle now repair The Knights in gallant trim ; Sir Reginald his father greets, His mother greeteth him. There are such greetings, and such smiles, Such cheers, such welcomings, Such happy hearts, and cakes so hot, Sweet wines, and such like things. Lo ! it would take an hour or more To chronicle the day; 'Twas like some levee which the Queen. Holds at the end of May. Twould nil three columns of The Times y In minion type so small; Therefore to fancy must we leave The gala at the Hall. 168 GOOD POLICY. One record still the legend hath j - The happiest day was when Fair Hildegarde made Reginald The happiest of men. Such lessons had the Baron learnt He grew an alter'd man ; The Baroness reolv'd likewise Upon, a better plan. The interest of their cash alone The daily want supplies : No thankless spongy guests are seen To haunt their premises, A month of festive joy was held, A month of pleasantness ; And after twenty years of grief Who could have wished them less ? A SATISFACTORY CONCLUSION. 169 Away then sped Prince Arthur, and Away too Edgar sped ; Prince Ufo follow'd, and away The Knights their legions led. Three towns they built on their estates, But why they built ? and where ? If you have not the preface read, You'll find the story there. And at the Hall, Sir Reginald "With Hildegarde remains As heir at law, and Seneschal Of Earndolf 's wide domains. And to a green and good old age Live Earndolf and his spouse, To see their child and grand children The pride of Earndolf House. M SECTION II. Ophelia. I shall the effect of this good lesson keep, As watchoulti to my heart. Hamlet. SECTION THE LAST PROVIDES A MORAL, THE TIEN OF WHICH THE INTELLIGENT HEADER MUST HAVE SEEN THROUGHOUT. MOST gentle reader would ye know The moral of my song ? Or how that moral may apply ? To whom it may belong ? The moral by the legend taught Is seen throughout the drift ; Wealth with extravagance is vain, Small means may serve with thrift* FOLLY ITS OWN PUNISHMENT. 171 Improvidence becomes at last A self-inflicting knout ; And those who act as Earndolf did, "Will one day find it out. See how he spar'd not truth, nor sense, Nor honor, in his mood : To gain the world's applause, he sold His very children's blood ! And will the world repay such acts ? Just try it, and you'll find It warily will always leave, The spendthrift fool behind. And yet the world's a pleasant world, A pleasant world of smiles ; But who may hope to find it free From cares and guilty guiles ? 172 " CONSCIENCE MAKES COWARDS." As to the dreadful Zornebock ! If conscience him we call ? Then every heart will find at times Conscience transforms us all. No matter what the impulse is, The passion that degrades ; These take a thousand different forms, A thousand different shades. Curb then each vain, each proud desire, Bow down the stubborn mind ; And let your thoughts and feelings be To charity inclin'd. On Faith's sweet promises rely ; In heavenly Hope put trust ; Remembering in our sunniest hours That we are only dust. THE LAST AND GREAT COMMAND. 173 And let this great commandment be The key to every other ; Love thy Creator all in all, But still, love one another. Such was the mission, such the law And precept from above ; And while they tell us " love is heaven," They tell us, " heaven is love." END. JOHN BRIDGEFORD, PRINTER, MULBERRY STREET, SHEFFIELD. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. Form L9-32m-8,'57(.C8680s4)444 2438 The arml The M97A7 sr?r H I qrid the UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY A 001 189 159 5 hourl FT 2438 M97A7