Aj 
 
 a: 
 o: 
 o 
 1 
 
 4 
 
 2 
 
 9 
 3 
 6 
 
 Bannard 
 
 Origin and Progress of a Noble 
 Family and the Flower of Eydon
 
 THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES 

 
 THE 
 
 ORIGIN AND PROGRESS 
 
 OF A 
 
 NOBLE FAMILY 
 
 IN THE WEST OF ENGLAND. 
 
 AND 
 
 THE FLOWER OF EYDON, 
 
 POEMS, 
 
 BY JAMES BANNARD. 
 
 DA VENTRY : 
 PRINTED BY THOMAS BARRETT, SHEAF-STREET. 
 
 1840. 

 
 
 
 I
 
 THE 
 
 ORIGIN AND PROGRESS 
 
 OF A 
 
 NOBLE FAMILY 
 
 IN THE WEST OF ENGLAND. 
 
 AND 
 
 THE FLOWER OF EYDON. 
 
 POEMS, 
 
 BY JAMES BANNARD. 
 
 DAVENTRY: 
 
 PRINTED BY THOMAS BARRETT, SHEAF-STREET. 
 
 1840. 
 
 ./ '
 
 1 
 
 THE ORIGIN, RISE, AND PROGRESS 
 
 OF 
 
 A NOBLE FAMILY 
 
 IN THE WEST OF ENGLAND. 
 
 Once on a time a blooming youth 
 
 From poverty did spring ; 
 Yet he did so aspiring grow : — 
 
 How he would dance nnd sing ! 
 
 And when he'd trod the stage of life, 
 
 And had attained fifteen ; 
 He danced around the may-pole fair, 
 
 And won the village queen. 
 
 From infancy they'd been attach'd, 
 
 The one unto the other ; 
 He ofttimes would her sister call, 
 
 And she would call him brother. 
 
 Yet being at that tender age, 
 
 (Too young by far to wed) 
 They entertain 'd not any thought 
 
 About the bridal bed. 
 
 Their parents this attachment saw, 
 
 And thus they did decide ; 
 Seven years more there should elapse, 
 
 Then she should be his bride. 
 
 This blooming youth then vow'd a vow 
 He'd cross the watery main ; 
 
 And when that day seven years return 'd, 
 He'd dance for her again. 
 
 If he was spar'd then to return, 
 
 He vow'd upon his word, 
 That man who did dispute it then, 
 
 Should do it with the sword.
 
 This blooming youth an uncle had, 
 
 Who was a sailor bold ; 
 And he died in a foreign land, 
 
 Possess'd with stores of gold. 
 
 Landing on Carolina's shore, 
 
 A lady did him see ; 
 When him she spied, aloud she cried, 
 
 "That sailor's form'd for me." 
 
 This uncle being a comely man, 
 
 And every way complete ; 
 Soon as she flx'd her eyes on him, 
 
 He did her captivate. 
 
 As she reveal'd her mind to him, 
 She cried " Young sailor bold, 
 
 If you consent to marry me, 
 You wed great stores of gold." 
 
 " Lady," said he, " I love you well, 
 
 But I'm in duty bound ; 
 My captain I would not desert, 
 
 Though for a thousand pound." 
 
 She straightway to his captain goes, 
 
 And purchas'd his discharge ; 
 " And now" she cries, " young sailor bold, 
 
 Here do you stand at large. 
 
 But still an exile you remain 
 
 In Carolina's land ; 
 The chain I'll hang about your neck, 
 
 Is called hymen's band." 
 
 In sweet conjugal love they lived, 
 
 And year roll'd after year ; 
 But they no offspring did produce, 
 
 These blessings rich to share. 
 
 And when this lady was deceased, 
 To England's shores he came ; 
 
 And now possess'd with stores of gold, 
 Pass'd as a man of fame. 
 
 Unto his native vale he hied, 
 
 Which he long wish'd to see ; 
 But first he did disguise himself, 
 
 And went in beggary.
 
 When standing at his brother's door, 
 
 He charity did crave ; 
 His brother recognised him well, 
 
 And soon began to rave. 
 
 " My brother's come ! my brothers come !' T 
 
 Aloud he then did cry ; 
 " How blest am I to see that face, 
 
 Once more before I die. 
 
 O, welcome, welcome brother, in, 
 
 Why stand you at the door ? 
 I long to press you to my heart, 
 
 Although distrest and poor. 
 
 Pray sit you down, and take your rest, 
 
 In this your native cot ; 
 I well know that which this contains, 
 
 Is your paternal lot. 
 
 Those tatter'd garments pray throw off, 
 
 No longer them you wear ; 
 I pray excuse for a short time, 
 
 While others I prepare." 
 
 In the meantime he absent was, 
 
 He threw off his disguise ; 
 And now the gentleman appears, 
 
 Before his brother's eyes. 
 
 "O pardon, brother,'' he exclaimed, 
 
 "This I have done to prove 
 How your affection stood for me, 
 
 And your fraternal love. 
 
 I am possessed of stores of gold, 
 
 Now in a foreign land ; 
 All, brother, which, at my decease, 
 
 Will be at your command." 
 
 He tarried with him a short space, 
 
 And there he made his will ; 
 And with him left some copies, too, 
 
 His purpose to fulfil. 
 
 But finding that his health decay 'd. 
 
 His end approaching fast ; 
 To Carolina he return 'd, 
 
 And there he breath'd his last.
 
 
 The tidings soon to England came, 
 There was much gold in store 
 
 For any of that family, 
 Who car'd to venture o'er. 
 
 But they so rusticated were, 
 
 Unto their native home, 
 For all the gold the world contained, 
 
 From it they would not roam. 
 
 Until this young aspiring youth 
 
 Was led to understand, 
 What treasures there awaited them, 
 
 All in a foreign land. 
 
 He straightway to the vicar goes, 
 
 And gives to him a fee 
 For to retrace the register, 
 
 And prove his pedigree. 
 
 To this the minister subscrib'd, 
 Likewise churchwardens too ; 
 
 The esquire also affixed his name, 
 And elders not a few. 
 
 Being thus equipp'd, away he hied 
 
 Unto a sea-port town ; 
 Where gallant ships lay in the docks, 
 
 And captains of renown. 
 
 And as he there enquiry made, 
 
 Was led to understand 
 A gallant ship there did lie bound 
 
 For Carolina's land. 
 
 He straightway to the captain goes, 
 And bending on his knee, 
 
 Cries, " Noble captain, if you please, 
 I wish to sail with thee. 
 
 I understand your gallant ship's 
 
 For Carolina bound ; 
 Upon those shores I can command 
 
 One hundred thousand pound." 
 
 The captain gave no heed to that, 
 
 But thus to him did say, 
 "Are you inclined for such a trip, 
 
 Tell unto me I pray.
 
 6 
 
 If that your inclination is, 
 
 I now shall wish you joy ; 
 You are the youth I now require 
 
 To be my cabin-boy." 
 
 A sailor now he is equipp'd, 
 
 Rigg'd aut from top to toe ; 
 And like a young and jolly tar, 
 
 On ship-board he doth go. 
 
 His duty so expert he learn'd, 
 
 So gallant and so gay ; 
 He soon was hail'd by all the crew. 
 
 The hero of the day. 
 
 And as they sailed o'er the deep, 
 
 The captain once did say, 
 "A little conversation now 
 
 Along with you I pray. 
 
 You said when you engaged with me, 
 
 For Carolina bound, 
 Upon these shores you could command 
 
 One hundred thousand pound.' • 
 
 " Most noble captain," he replied, 
 
 " What I then said is true ; 
 My documents I've often wish'd 
 
 To be perus'd by you." 
 
 The captain he perused them, 
 And found them so correct ; 
 
 He cries, " My active cabin-boy, 
 There's none can these reject. 
 
 Here's one remark which I do make, 
 
 And highly pleaseth me ; 
 A wise precaution you have took 
 
 To prove your pedigree. 
 
 But when you come to make this claim. 
 
 You then will want a friend ; 
 And as you are my cabin-boy, 
 
 On you I will attend." 
 
 In Carolina's harbour now 
 The ship unloads her freight ; 
 
 "And now my active cabin-boy, 
 Your business we complete."
 
 I 
 
 Unto the bankers they repair'd, 
 
 And let them understand, 
 One hundred thousand pound they claim'd, 
 
 Which was at their command. 
 
 " One hundred thousand pounds they claim'd. 
 
 And likewise interest too ; 
 Deposited into this bank 
 
 Near twenty years ago : 
 
 Left by an English gentleman, 
 
 One Norman was his name ; 
 This blooming youth is heir to that, 
 
 And now doth make his claim." 
 
 The bankers frown'd, and did reply, 
 
 " His claim is of no use, 
 Unless he proves his pedigree, 
 
 And documents produce." 
 
 The captain cries, " We are prepared, 
 
 This shortly shall be done ; 
 And if that you prove obstinate, 
 
 This famous bank I'll run. 
 
 I am a captain on the seas, 
 
 And I'm a lawyer too ; 
 According to the legal law, 
 
 I thus shall deal with you." 
 
 The documents were now produced, 
 
 And proved so correct : 
 There's not one line or syllable, 
 
 To which they could object. 
 
 This put them in a quandary, 
 
 That, struck with such amaze, 
 Some faces changed as white as death, 
 
 And some were in a blaze. 
 
 And when they did recover speech, 
 
 They faintly then did cry, 
 " These documents are so correct, 
 
 There's none can them deny. 
 
 Yet, noble captain, pray forbear, 
 
 As you must understand, 
 This gold which good old Norman left, 
 
 Is in a foreign land.
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 Unto great merchants it is lent, 
 
 Who pay for it the use ; 
 Three years we fear must near elapse, 
 
 Ere we can all produce. 
 
 Yet still our firm it holdeth strong, 
 
 Gold still with us is found ; 
 This day we can remit to you 
 
 One twenty thousand pound/' 
 
 The active cabin-boy exclaims, 
 
 " My turn to speak is next, 
 Pray, gentlemen, compose your minds, 
 
 You rather seem perplex'd. 
 
 If you remit me half that sum 
 
 Now for my present use ; 
 In the five years which next do come, 
 
 Remainder you produce." 
 
 Each countenance now brightened up, 
 
 Lit with a torch of joy ; 
 How they carest, and did extol 
 
 The active cabin-boy. 
 
 Saying, "Whoever that you are, 
 
 A gentleman you be ; 
 Those words have now relieved our minds 
 
 From great anxiety. 
 
 A banquet great we raise to you, 
 
 And to your captain bold ; 
 This day, likewise, present to him 
 
 One thousand pounds in gold." 
 
 The captain smiled, and did reply, 
 
 " I find we shall agree; 
 And as respects the thousand pounds, 
 
 Twill not accepted be. 
 
 Yet one small favour still I crave, 
 
 And do request of you ; 
 While in this harbour we remain, 
 
 You will regale my crew." 
 
 ■ Agreed, agreed," they all did say, 
 
 "This shortly shall be done ; 
 And from your brave and jolly tars, 
 
 We hope to gain some ran."
 
 And now, the cargo being complete, 
 
 To England's shore they come ; 
 But still this active cabin-boy 
 . Refraineth from his home. 
 
 Two years then only had elaps'd, 
 
 And five there did remain, 
 Before he meets the village queen, 
 
 To dance for her again. 
 
 A merchant great he now became, 
 
 And traded with his gold : 
 Visiting many foreign shores 
 
 With his brave captain bold. 
 
 But as he sail'd, this voyage of life 
 
 Being never at a stand, 
 Warn'd him 'twas time to sail again 
 
 To Carolina's land. 
 
 To Carolina now they steer, 
 
 With a sweet pleasant gale ; 
 When, landing on those happy shores, 
 
 The bankers did them hail. 
 
 " O, welcome, welcome, cabin-boy, 
 Likewise your captain bold ; 
 
 Great sums there now are bagg'd for you, 
 Of bright and glittering gold. 
 
 To testify our gratitude, 
 
 No chance we have let slip ; 
 Bankers and merchants do present 
 
 To you this gallant ship. 
 
 And now we'll go on board of her, 
 
 And with her wish you joy ; 
 And with full bumpers christen her 
 
 The 'active cabin-boy'." 
 
 And now to man this gallant ship, ' 
 
 There did require a crew ; 
 Sailors and bold mariners then, 
 
 Applied not a few. 
 
 Among the rest one captain came, 
 
 Offering to command 
 This gallant ship, with all her crew, 
 
 When she sails for England.
 
 io 
 
 The cabin-boy then answered him, 
 " She will contain much pelf, 
 
 And as I am proprietor, 
 I do command myself. 
 
 But yet I can grant you a post, 
 
 Equal to captain's pay ;" 
 " Your humble servant," he replied, 
 
 " Your orders I obey." 
 
 No sooner he had him dismiss'd, 
 
 As he did pass the street, 
 A youth of colour rush'd to him, 
 
 And falling at his feet* 
 
 " O pity, massa," he did cry, 
 
 " Pray, pity take on me ; 
 I am a poor young negro boy, 
 
 Just burst from slavery." 
 
 " Rise up, poor blacky," he replied, 
 " Your ransom I will pay ;" 
 
 " No ransom, massa, is required, 
 For me they stole away." 
 
 " If that be true, my poor young friend, 
 
 Now I shall wish you joy : 
 My post to you I now resign, 
 
 You are a cabin-boy." 
 
 No sooner they the anchor weigh, 
 And cross the watery deep ; 
 
 The negro-boy, young Quashi called, 
 Was often seen to weep. 
 
 Commander he observing this, 
 
 Thus unto him did say, 
 " What is the reason that you weep ? 
 
 Tell me without delay." 
 
 '• Massa," he cries, '• me understand 
 You have great store of gold : 
 
 That captain which you have on board, 
 Hath been a pirate bold. 
 
 He is a robber on the land, 
 
 A robber on the sea ; 
 It was his wicked, wicked crew 
 
 That stole poor me away."
 
 11 
 
 / 
 
 No sooner had he spoke these words, 
 
 A vessel came in view ; 
 So soon as she was up with them, 
 
 Poor Quashi well her knew. 
 
 That captain he immediately 
 On board of her would go, 
 
 Under pretence that he would prove 
 If she was friend or foe. 
 
 Commander now the boatswain calls, 
 
 And thus to him did say ; 
 " What do you of this captain know, 
 
 Tell unto me I pray." 
 
 " Noble commander," he replied, 
 
 " This I can tell to thee ; 
 " He frequently contriving is, 
 
 To raise a mutiny." 
 
 " Enough," commander did reply, 
 " Something must now be done ; 
 
 We either must prepare to fight, 
 Or else prepare to run. 
 
 Now as the villain absent is, 
 The latter I would choose ; 
 
 Not one among my jovial crew, 
 But I should grieve to lose. 
 
 There is no doubt but he intends 
 
 Upon us sly to creep, 
 All of us murder in cold blood, 
 
 When we are fast asleep." 
 
 " Most worthy governor," he cries, 
 " Your heart it is humane ; 
 
 And if that we sustain a fight, 
 Some numbers must be slain. 
 
 Your ship a fine fast-sailer is, 
 
 Well mann'd, and rigg'd so tight ; 
 We easy may give them the slip, 
 
 When darkness crowns the night." 
 Commander to that did repty, 
 
 " To this I do agree ; 
 Our sentiments so correspond, 
 
 Now I am ruled by thee."
 
 12 
 
 Soon as the shades of night prevailed, 
 
 The anchor they do weigh ; 
 And many leagues did them outsail, 
 
 Before the break of day. 
 
 On England's shores he now arrives, 
 
 So gallant and so gay ; 
 And now his thoughts began to turn 
 
 Upon the queen of May. 
 
 One frolic now played on his mind, 
 Which he still kept in view ; 
 
 To visit there in rough disguise, 
 To prove if she was true. 
 
 The negro youth he takes with him, 
 
 A friend to him most dear ; 
 Poor Quashi his companion was, 
 
 Let him go far or near. 
 
 The village-queen's old father 'twas 
 
 Who did the music play ; 
 To entertain the villagers 
 
 Upon the first of May. 
 
 To the old gentleman he cries, 
 " Come, play us one fine tune ; 
 
 And if you go it sharp and well, 
 You are rewarded soon." 
 
 One guinea he slipp'd in his hand, 
 Which made him much to stare, 
 
 Crying, " I ne'er was paid like this, 
 I solemnly declare. 
 
 Now as you are so generous, 
 
 I'll cheer you with a tune ; 
 And play you through the month of May 
 
 Into the month of June. 
 
 But, my young sailors, brave and bold, 
 
 Tell unto me I pray, 
 If you do one young Norman know. 
 
 Who long hath been at sea ?" 
 
 " Young Norman we do know right well, 
 
 And in his crew have been : 
 This day he at this spot arriv< ■>. 
 
 To wed the village queen."
 
 13 
 
 The old man he was wonder-struck, 
 
 The music soon it fell ; 
 He straightway to his daughter runs, 
 
 This joyful news to tell. 
 
 Unto the bower they repair 'd, 
 
 Themselves for to regale ; 
 That day the bower was supplied 
 
 With wine, and cake, and ale. 
 
 And as they did regale themselves, 
 
 Up came a coach and four ; 
 When Quashi fixVl his eye on them, 
 
 He soon began to roar. 
 
 " O, massa, massa," he did say, 
 
 * " If I believe my eyes, 
 The pirate now is following us, 
 Dress'd up in a disguise." 
 
 " Quashi, if you are sure 'tis him, 
 
 Go take him in my stead : 
 One thousand pounds is the reward, 
 
 For those that bring his head." 
 
 Now Quashi puts on a disguise, 
 And views him round and round ; 
 
 Then tiger-like he at him flew, 
 And brought him to the ground. 
 
 His dagger then he did un sheath, 
 
 To strike the fatal blow, 
 When some one did arrest his arm, 
 
 Crying " no, my friend, not so." 
 
 " You say young Norman comes this day, 
 
 To wed the village queen, 
 Such blood as his shall never taint 
 
 This unpolluted green. 
 
 In irons we will bind him fast, 
 
 Lock him in dungeon deep, 
 That for his wicked course of life, 
 
 He there may lie and weep." 
 
 Another sight was now beheld, 
 
 As it did pass the street ; 
 Six milk-white steeds, with carriage grand, 
 
 Each gazing eye did meet.
 
 14 
 
 A band of music did attend — 
 
 One hundred sailors bold, 
 With trowsers all as white as snow. 
 
 And hats all laced with gold. 
 
 And as they near the may-pole drew, 
 They paus'd and made a stand, 
 
 Seeming to wait some captain bold, 
 To give them all command. 
 
 Quashi then came up in a trice, 
 
 Without the least delay ; 
 Crying " fellow seamen, one and all, 
 
 Hearken to what I say : — 
 
 That pirate which we had on board, 
 
 Followed us in disguise ; 
 But in that dungeon dark and deep, 
 
 He now a pris'ner lies. 
 
 Our captain he now writing is, 
 
 Unto our gracious king ; 
 To pray the law may take its course, 
 
 And punishment may bring. 
 
 In the meantime refreshments take, 
 Within this pleasant bower, 
 
 With wine and cake, and good old ale, 
 Regale yourselves one hour J 1 
 
 The sailors gave a loud huzza, 
 And thank'd the Lord for joy, 
 
 Their captain's life once more was sav'd 
 By the young negro boy. 
 
 Their captain then did join them all, 
 
 Upon the pleasant green, 
 And soon he did inquiry make, 
 
 After the village queen. 
 
 Soon the musician he appear'd, 
 
 Leading her by the hand ; 
 But when this grandeur she beheld, 
 
 Amaz'd she then did stand. 
 
 " Dear father," she did then exclaim, 
 "What is this which I see? 
 
 If this should be young Norman's suite 
 He ne'er will marry me."
 
 15 
 
 Soon as he saw her on the green, 
 
 He did to her advance, 
 And cried " my young and lovely queen, 
 
 Again with you I dance. 
 
 Seven years are past since on this day, 
 
 I went to cross the main, 
 And on that day I vow'd a vow 
 
 To dance with you again. 
 
 Now when we have gone through one dance, 
 
 We'll to the church repair, 
 My sailors and the village maids 
 
 Shall all attend us there. 
 
 The bells did ring, and all did sing, 
 
 It was a happy day ; 
 Such great rejoicing ne'er was seen, 
 
 Upon the first of May. 
 
 And in the west of England, soon 
 
 They purchas'd an estate : 
 Some of their happy progeny, 
 
 Remain there to this date. 
 
 In health and splendour they still live, 
 Crown'd with great stores of gold, 
 
 And ofttimes bless the memory 
 Of that young sailor bold. 
 
 THE FLOWER OF EYDON, 
 
 OR THE 
 
 The candid reader is respectfully informed, this Song and simple Poem is no em- 
 blem of truth, but truth itself. Printed for the fourth time at the request of the Author* 
 numerous friends and subscribers. 
 
 As I did once through Eydon pass, 
 
 I stopt to rest awhile ; 
 A Lady there accused me, 
 
 And caused me to smile.
 
 16 
 
 She said " I know that face full well, 
 Though long since I've it seen, 
 
 A theft you here did once commit, 
 You stole the village queen. 
 
 However you achieved that 
 
 I do request to know, 
 For all the young men in this place, 
 
 Were each outdone by you. 
 
 You filled their hearts with jealousy, 
 Lest you should win the prize ; 
 
 And all of them became your foes 
 And cruel enemies." 
 
 " Lady, to grant you this request, 
 Will take me up long time ; 
 
 But when I to your village came, 
 I was in bloming prime. 
 
 On the first morn that I came here, 
 
 I went into the field, 
 To plough, and sow the golden grain, 
 
 A harvest for to yield. 
 
 When coming out of the farm-yard, 
 
 Into the vacant street, 
 This queen to whom you now allude, 
 
 My master there did meet." 
 
 " Good morning, unto you, fair maid, 
 
 Will you a sowing go ?" 
 " I always am supplied with that, 
 
 You very well do know. 
 
 Your sowing always lies abroad, 
 
 But mine is all at home ; 
 Therefore, kind sir, pray me excuse, 
 
 I have no cause to roam." 
 
 " This answer caused me to smile, 
 Thinks I, this maid hath wit ; 
 
 Before my master could reply, 
 His presence she did quit. 
 
 Then as we pass'd unto the field, 
 
 My master he did say, — 
 " What think you of that bonny lass, 
 
 I spoke to on the way?
 
 17 
 
 Of all the village maidens here, 
 
 She 's topmost on the tree ; 
 For beauty and for modest worth, 
 
 She cannot equall'd be. 
 
 The blooming rose dwells on her cheek, 
 
 Rubies her lips adorn, 
 Such symmetry, so beautiful, 
 
 Is rare in women born. 
 
 Likewise the youthful villagers, 
 
 Are frequently at strife, 
 In striving which can win her hand, 
 
 To gain her for a wife. 
 
 Yea, I myself have her address'd, 
 
 But on me she did frown ; 
 And said, " though you possess some wealth, 
 
 You're nothing but a clown." 
 
 Yet I would have you her address, 
 
 This is my reason why, — 
 I did remark as we convers'd, 
 
 On you she cast her eye." 
 
 When a few days had pass'd away, 
 
 This fair maid I did meet, 
 And near unto that very spot, 
 
 My master did her greet. 
 
 I said, " I think you are the same, 
 
 I saw the other morn, 
 As I was going to the field, 
 
 To plough, and sow the corn. 
 
 The answer you my master gave, 
 
 It caused me to smile ; 
 " Why yes," says she, " I know it did, 
 
 I view'd you all the while." 
 
 Says I, a glance at you I gave, 
 
 And stranger though I be, 
 I know it well becomes young men, 
 
 To act with modesty." 
 
 " Stranger," said she, " pray me excuse, 
 
 I do not know your name ; 
 Your modesty far exceeds mine, 
 
 And makes me blush for shame.
 
 1 
 
 18 
 
 How you contrast these village youths, 
 Their tongues all run so rude, 
 
 I'm forced to scoff and scorn at them. 
 Or they will so intrude. 
 
 There's not one in the village through. 
 
 But what I do disdain ; 
 And from their vulgar company 
 
 I always do refrain. 
 
 And yours I likewise must refrain, 
 
 I'm near my father's house ; 
 And he doth watch me out as close 
 
 As puss doth watch the mouse. 
 So strict and stern he deals with me, 
 
 He almost drives me wild ; 
 Although my age is twenty-three, 
 
 He treats me like a child. 
 
 It is for his own interest 
 
 He keeps me under thumb ; 
 
 He knows full well when I am gone, 
 The pudding's lost the plum. 
 
 But now, this moment I depart, 
 
 No longer I dare stay ; 
 'Tis probable that we shall meet 
 
 Upon some future day." 
 
 Now, what my master he had said, 
 
 I found exactly true ; 
 But something whisper'd in my heart 
 
 " That beauty's form'd for you." 
 
 Then when some time it had elaps'd, 
 I near this fair maid went ; 
 
 hitherto win or lose her heart, 
 I was determin'd bent. 
 
 When standing near her father's gate, 
 
 Her brother he pass'd by ; 
 With vengeance knit upon his brow, 
 
 And fury in his eye. 
 
 He says k ' What do you lurking there, 
 Just like a common thief; 
 
 And that I do suspect you are, 
 At least that's my belief."
 
 19 
 
 I cries, " If you suspect me thus, 
 
 Suspicion shall not fail ; 
 For if you watch both night and day, 
 
 Your sister's heart I'll steal." 
 
 With that he rais'd a cudgel high, 
 
 And struck a vehement blow ; 
 If I had not evaded that, 
 
 It must have laid me low. 
 
 I cried, " You brute, what do you mean ? 
 
 I'm in the king's highway ; 
 But if this is to be the game, 
 
 We both of us must play." 
 
 The villagers became alarm'd, 
 
 And pour'd around us fast ; 
 The young ones cried out "Thrash him well," 
 
 The old ones cried "Avast, 
 
 Here's not one blow shall be exchang'd 
 
 Till we know which to blame ; 
 And then he that is in the fault, 
 
 We'll put to open shame. 
 
 Young stranger, you must understand 
 
 What are the village knocks ; 
 When any one doth break the peace, 
 
 We shame them in the stocks." 
 
 Then you, good lady, did exclaim, 
 " This youthful stranger's right ; 
 
 He ventures with a lion's heart, 
 To woo our beauty bright. 
 
 The village youths all cowards are, 
 
 They're cowards every one ; 
 Soon as the cudgel doth appear, 
 
 Away they all do run. 
 
 He stands his ground right manfully, 
 
 Not in the least afraid ; 
 I wish, with all my heart, that he 
 
 May win the charming maid." 
 
 The constable he next appear'd, 
 
 With his huge massive staff ; 
 When some began to run away, 
 
 And some began to laugh.
 
 20 
 
 The elder men drew up to him, 
 
 And they jocosely cried ; 
 "Some rustic plough-boy, brave and bold, 
 
 Here claims our village pride." 
 
 He first a silence did demand, 
 
 Then after, rais'd his voice ; 
 " Our far-fam'd beauty is of age, 
 
 She claims the right of choice. 
 
 On whomsoever that should fall, 
 
 I let all others know, 
 That man that does it disallow, 
 
 Makes me his sturdy foe. 
 
 Respecting you, my valiant youth, 
 
 Your talents well display; 
 One bottle of my fine old port 
 
 Shall crown your nuptial day." 
 
 And thus my foes became my friends, 
 
 All but a very few ; 
 And none but this young gentle fair, 
 
 E'er had a cause to rue. 
 
 Her father now prov'd more severe, 
 
 And kept her so confined ; 
 We never could each other meet, 
 
 To speak each other's mind. 
 
 Until the time had passed on, 
 
 Unto the first of May ; 
 I saw old chief and son go out, 
 
 Just at the break of day. 
 
 And now, thinks I, my charming maid, 
 
 This is the very time ; 
 The day it sweetly now doth dawn, 
 
 And morning's in its prime. 
 
 Your father now he absent is, 
 
 And brother too with him ; 
 This hour I dive into your heart, 
 
 And either sink or swim. 
 
 But I no sooner there arriv'd 
 
 And did admittance gain ; 
 Suspicion fill'd the old man's breast, 
 
 And sent him back again.
 
 21 
 
 how he bounc'd, and storm'd at her, 
 And me he did discharge ; 
 
 1 cried, " Old friend, I'm in the street, 
 And here I stand at large. 
 
 This gentle maid whom I esteem, 
 Whom you your daughter call ; 
 
 If you do not your conduct change, 
 You soon will be her fall." 
 
 I stood, and soundly lectured him, 
 
 Until he turn'd about, 
 And lock'd her safe within the house, 
 
 And me as safe without. 
 
 How lonesome that long day did pass, 
 The time seem'd slow to move ; 
 
 For the first time in all my life, 
 I felt the flame of love. 
 
 Therefore, to rid me of that pain, 
 
 I join'd the evening dance ; 
 When down the street her brother came, 
 
 And to me did advance. 
 
 His countenance display'd concern, 
 
 As he did take my hand ; 
 He says, " I wish to speak with you, 
 
 But here we must not stand. 
 
 My sister she is very ill, 
 
 All day she 's been confin'd ; 
 
 My father he so cruel is, 
 
 I quite have chang'd my mind. 
 
 And she this hour hath him renounc'd, 
 And raves for you, my friend ; 
 
 I pray you now to go with me, 
 And unto her attend." 
 
 I said, " My friend, you're just in time, 
 
 I near a vow had made, 
 Ne'er any more while I had liv'd, 
 
 To see that charming maid. 
 
 But if I can of service be, 
 
 Most willingly I go ; 
 I told him on this very morn, 
 
 He'd prove her overthrow."
 
 ; 
 
 22 
 
 Then when we came near to the spot, 
 He says, " Wait here awhile ; 
 
 If you should farther now advance, 
 My project you may spoil." 
 
 Then he went to his father's house, 
 
 And soon did her release ; 
 And brought her down unto his own, 
 
 But very far from peace. 
 
 " One drop of water," she did cry, 
 
 " And then I'll take a dose ; 
 Her arms fell useless by her sides, 
 
 And those bright eyes did close. 
 
 O how we all were panic-struck, 
 
 And much it did us fright ; 
 She faintly cries, " Don't be alarm'd, 
 
 And all will soon be right." 
 
 Her brother then, with soothing words, 
 
 Her spirits did revive ; 
 When she exclaim'd, " Am I releas'd, 
 
 And am I still alive," 
 
 But " oh !" she says, " I cannot live 
 Without my dearest friend ;" 
 
 Her brother says, " he's at your side, 
 Waiting you to attend 
 
 She cried "if we are reconciled, 
 Pray take him by the hand ;" 
 
 " Sister," says he, " I will obey, 
 Whatever you command." 
 
 And as he took me by the hand, 
 
 He motion'd unto me, 
 And press'd it softly into hers, 
 
 And thus did shake all three. 
 
 This action had a good effect, 
 
 She cast on me a smile, 
 Whisp'ring " now I've my love confess'd, 
 
 Do not my love beguile. 
 
 Yet fearing that I should relapse, 
 
 Tell unto me I pray, 
 When you my father lectur'd so, 
 
 What was it you did say ?
 
 23 
 
 I never did in all my life, 
 
 See him so petrified ; 
 Although he was in such a rage, 
 
 I do believe he cried." 
 
 " I said that you no father had, 
 
 No brother for a friend ; 
 No sister to console your woes, 
 
 You 'd seen your mother's end. 
 
 You had no friend upon this earth, 
 
 To sympathise, but me, 
 And I was yoUng and ignorant too, 
 
 As most young fellows be. 
 
 What you a father ? you're a fiend — 
 
 Fiend of the worst degree ; 
 No exile in Van Dieman's land, 
 
 Is so confined as she. 
 
 O that I had her by my side, 
 
 What transports should I feel ; 
 I'd dance around hejAeauteous form, 
 
 So light would belmy heel. 
 
 But now as this is sweet May-day, 
 
 I'll change my doleful tune, 
 And find that maid a bridal bed, 
 
 Before the end of June. 
 
 Now this I partly spoke in jest. 
 
 Your father for to teaze ; 
 But here your humble servant stands, 
 
 Deal with him as you please." 
 
 Her brother sat and paus'd awhile, 
 
 Then unto me did say, — 
 " Where were you educated at ? 
 
 Tell unto me I pray. 
 
 Your language is simplicity. 
 
 You act no studied part ; 
 Your words fall sweetly from your lips. 
 
 As they flow from your heart. 
 
 " I thank'd him for his compliment, 
 
 W T hen he aloud did cry : — 
 " Sister, I feel myself athir^t 
 
 You know that sorrow's dvv. 
 
 /
 
 24 
 
 vvlien you feel yourself composed, 
 I must drink with your friend ;" 
 " Good brother, she did then reply, 
 Tis what I do intend. 
 
 And when refreshment we have had, 
 
 We'll take a gentle walk, 
 And that will give our neighbours room, 
 
 For much chit-chat and talk. 
 
 And my dear friend shall take my hand, 
 As through the street he goes ; 
 
 With rapture then I shall behold 
 Him triumph o'er his foes. 
 
 And here a lesson they may learn, 
 
 Which may not be forgot ; 
 His modest tongue could win the heart, 
 
 Which their rude ones could not." 
 
 The rumour now spread far and wide, 
 The village queen was won ; — 
 
 That some adroit young stranger youth, 
 That great exploit had done. 
 
 Our nuptial day it honour'd was 
 
 By high and low degree ; 
 Two ministers there did attend, 
 
 To join my love and me. 
 
 The youthful villagers came round, 
 
 And all seem'd to forgive ; 
 And wish'd us health and happiness, 
 
 So long as we might live. 
 
 The bells did ring, and all did sing, 
 
 It was a jovial day ; 
 And thus in spite of old or young. 
 
 I bore the prize away." 
 
 DAVENTRY : 
 PRINTED F'.Y THOMAS BARRETT, SHEAF-STREET 
 
 1
 
 UCLA-Young Research Library 
 
 PR4057 .B225o 
 
 A A 001 402 936 
 
 i. J 
 
 F ' J