'■'/Sa^AINIl 'n. RRAf .^(OF•CAllF 3 ofj ^,i T uy I I . > lUBRARYQr^ ^aMM1NIVER% ^lOSAHCfltf^ ^l-UBRARYO/^ ^^lUBRA % '^^ ^ "<3UJIIVJiU ' "aujiivjju'^ .-»,.OFCALIFO% ^-*;0FCA1IF0% icft/^— A!= -■^'4 /Tier ^ .—'I I- 5 ■^_ ^ .^\u•UNlVERy/A >- ^ 6V <(5l]DNVS01^ ,^\\E•UNIVERJ•//, o .-;CFCMIFnP(-, '^.SOJIIVDJO^ ^' '^^iOJIIVjiO" ^<3A ^tllBRARYQ< ^lUBRARYQ^ ^OJIIVDJO'f^ '^\< DEAR MADAM, As the wifhes of thofe I efteem and love have the power of commands, this new Edi- tion of the following Poem is publifhed folely at your defire. I fliould have been delighted to have rendered it, by any emendations, wor- thier of the Engravings which now embellifli it, from the hand of early genius, too early chilled by the hand of death. May the Sifters in merit as well as i^/ood of the charming and amiable daughter you ha\'e fo DEDICATION. long and fo deeply lannented, refenrible her In every thing but (what fond and fhort-fighted mortals are too apt to call) an untimely fate 1 Then they cannot fail to refle6l back your own virtues, and to prove the ornament of your life, and the reward of all your tender- nefs and cares. You know how fmcerely this, and every good wdfli towards you, flows from the heart of Your Ladyfliip's Faithful and affedionate Friend and Servant, Mat I, 1794, l^homas Sedgwick Whalley, EDWY AND EDILDA: A TALE. PART I. When Egbert England's fceptre fway'd, For pow'r and arms renown'd, Brave Galvan liv'd ; whofe deeds of youth By peaceful age were crown'd. Full many a year his feet had trod The rougheft paths of war ; And in his mafter's caufe he earn'd Full many an honour'd fear : But deeds of hardiment at length Give place to filver hairs ; And feeble age, unlocking (trength, His future fervice fpares. Deep in the bofom of a vale, By Severn's rolling flood, The hoary Warrior's native tow'rs With ample honours fliood. B 2 EDWY AND EDILDA. Thither from camps and courts retir'd, The aged Baron fpent His days, in long-forgotten peace, And long-unknown content ! His hofpitable hall was dill With largeft bounty crown'd ; And many a health, and many a tale, His feftive board went round. But ftill the healths to England's weal Moft copioufly flow'd ; And lengthen 'd tales, of former w^ars, The patriot Warrior fhow'd. And as the fame of Egberts arms, And tale of Britain's good. Dwelt on the generous Gaharis tongue, And warm'd his aged blood ; Unwonted flufhes o'er his face Would animating break ; And in his eyes unwonted fires The ardent heart would fpeak. Nor did his cheek unufeful glow. Nor tongue defcant in vain ; Since lifl'ning youth his ardour caught, And fired at his ftrain. Thus Galvan liv'd, by grey hairs laid Upon the lap of eafe, Honour and love, on every fide, Augmenting ftill his peace. EDWY AND EDILDA. Nor thefe alone confpir'd to gild The evening of his days ; Nor did his heart alone dilate With foreign love, and praife ; A nearer, dearer, home-bred joy, That heart more nearly charms ; And in a darling Daughter s form, His bread more genial warms. Of many children, fhe alone To blefs his years remain d ; Who, from her mother long deceased, Kdilda had been nam'd. Upon her cheek the virgin rofe Had fpent its fofteft bloom ; And from her coral lips did fhed Its exquifite perfume. Her hair in graceful ringlets flow'd, Than filk more gloffy far ; And either beaming eye outflione The radiant morning ftar. Yet fires through their fringes ftill As foft, as piercing went ; And every fparkling glance appear d With fweeteft languors blent. Her fhape, her hair, her voice, her mien, W^hat eloquence can tell ? What pen defcribe the countlefs charms That round her lov'd to dwell ? A EDWYANDEDILDA. But not to outward charms alone Her merits were confin-d ; More weak were language to exprefs The beauties of her mind ! Within her foul each generous thought, Each noble tranfport glow'd ; And beaming from her fpeaking eye, To all confefs'd they ftood. Yet ft ill the foftnefs of her fex Moft ftrikingly prevail'd; And from that foftnefs, fhe was firft The fw^eet Kdilda hail'd 1 Ah dangerous fweetnefs ! which no force, No wifdom could withftand : Ah dangerous foftnefs ! that with love Would ftill go hand in hand. For who that own'd a noble heart, Or could by charms be won. But foon confefs'd Edildds pow'r. And bow'd before her throne ? Not G a Ivan's worth, nor Galvans fway, Alone had fill'd his hall ; Far more the fweet Edildds charms, To glad obeifance, call. And while the daughter's beauties bloom'd So lovely to the fight, What wonder if the father's tale Afforded ftrange delight ! £D\VYANDEDILDA. 5 What wonder ? where the purple blood In noontide currents flow'd, And where defire of generous deeds In every bofom glow'd. For every youth that lift'ning fat At Galvan's plenteous board, The goodly heir of noble blood, With lofty thoughts w^as ftor'd. With lofty thoughts they all were ftor'd ; But one of all around, Without a claim to noble blood. Was unafluming found : Edwy the graceful youth was call'd ; The ancient Hildas fon By Ongar ; w^ho his mortal courfe Long fmce in war had run. An humble dwelling Hilda own'd ; And but a fcanty flock ; Which Edwy us'd to watch all day, From ofP a neighb'ring rock : There refting, with his pipe and book, Beneath a fpreading tree. Full many a ditty he would play; And oft would poring be Upon full many a copious tale Of war and warriors dread ; While winged hours unminded flew Above his youthful head : c 6 E D W Y A N D E D I L D A, A learned friar lov'd him well, For native wit and worth ; And to that learned friar, I ween, His knowledge ow'd its birth. From him, or other wight, 't is plain His learning he muft catch ; Since Hildas fortunes, but for this, Had plac'd it pad his reach. But that though now beyond our ken, Yet this is handed down ; That youthful Edwy^ in thofe days, A fcholar rare was known. A noted minftrel too he was ; And when his pipe did found, The neighb'ring villages, to hear, Would quickly gather round : The villagers would gather round, Till many a village fair, Allur'd by Edwys, pipe or face. Made Rdwy all her care ! Yet, though compos'd of fofteft mould His nature feem'd to be ; And open'd at the tender touch Of fenfibility ; To love's foft pains his gentle heart Averfe did (till appear ; Averfc, or cold, to all the charms Of cv'ry village fair ! EDWY AND EDILDA. For fomething in his manners mild Above his peers was feen ; And in his foul a diff'rence yet Far greater was, I ween. It happen'd on a fummer's morn, While on his fav'rite rock, Beneath the beeches bow'ring fhade He fat, and watch'd his flock ; That Galvan^ fever'd from his train In hunting, carelefs ftray'd Where Edwy on his mellow pipe Melodiouily play'd. Charm'd with the fweet unwonted founds, That fudden caught his ear. With cautious fteps behind the rock, He ftole, unfeen, to hear. And while, with many a cadence clear, The youth purfu'd his ftrain ; And many a wild note, foft and full, Refounded through the plain ; Behold, a fierce and famifh'd wolf Rufh'd from a thicket by. And on the hoary warrior's throat Flew, with a dreadful cry ! Unarm'd, unwarn'd againfl his foe, And weak through feeble age ; All hopelefs with the rav'nous wolf Could Galvan battle w^age ? 8 EDWY AND EDILDA. Young Edmy^ ftartled at the din, Th' unequal conteft view'd ; Not long his gen'rous gallant foul Deliberating ftood. Beardlefs, defencelefs as he was, Unknown to deeds of war ; He quickly fhew'd what native worth And bravery could dare. From flruggling Galvajis panting bread, Befmear'd with foam and gore, The beaft he forc'd ; and with a crafh His jaws afunder tore. Beneath th' aflonifh'd hero's feet The wolf expiring lay. Which threaten'd, but a moment paft, To rend his life away. Before his eyes, with graceful air. The blooming Edwy ftood ; Who kindly cheer'd his harafs'd foul, And kindly ftaunch'd his blood. Yet, little ween'd he for whofe fake Such danger he had brav'd ; But little ween'd how great a life His daring hand had fav'd. For though the ancient Noble's fame Had often reach'd his ear ; Yet too obfcure his flation was, Before him to appear : EDWY AND EDILDA. For Edwy's gentle mufing mind Retirement lov'd full well ; And rarely with his compeers round His fbeps were feen to dwell: Nor if perchance the Noble's horns Awak'd the neighb'ring wood, Would he, to view the fplendid train, With them his fteps obtrude. Yet not from fuUennefs, or pride, Sprung his fequefter d life ; And lefs his temper fweet would find Occafion bad for ftrife. But form'd in melancholy's mould. Beneath the green- wood fhade. Unheard, unfeen, he joy'd to be In meditation laid : Yet counfel kind, and ready help, To ev'ry neighbour fwain, Who ft ill fo ready was as he. To lend, upon the plain ? And much his lore they all admir'd, And much his goodnefs lov'd ; And knew and priz'd that courage which For Galvan he had prov'd. Him to his humble dwelling oft He kindly prefs'd to wend ; And offer'd his fupporting arm, His footfleps to attend. D lo EDWYANDEDILDA. And oft he fear'd the rav'ning wolf Had made a deadly wound ; And oft his linen he would rend, And wrap his throat around. '' Who, and what art thou ?" Galvan cried; " Relate thy birth and name, " Whofe valour foremoft ought to ftand " Upon the lift of fame. " Whoever, and whate'er, thou art, " An heart thou haft full brave ; " And a ftout arm, which thou haft ftretch'd " Right well, my life to fave. " Nor think a life of little worth " Hath been preferv'd by thee : '' Nor think that Galvan for the boon " Uns^rateful e'er will be." At Galvan's name a rofy blufh Suffus'd young Edwys cheek ; And downcaft eyes, and lifted hands, Surprife and rev'rence fpeak. With modeft air he anfwers mild : " Old Hi/das fon I am, " Thy valfal, virtuous, though poor, '' And Edwy is my name." " That thou art virtuous, gen'rous, brave," The Noble quick reply d, " Hath in thy condud, gallant youth, " This day been amply try'd. EDWY AND EDI L DA. n " Nor vaflal thou, nor fhepherd fwain, " A future hour fhall fee ; " My lov'd companion, and my friend, " Henceforward ever be : " And fure a firmer, worthier friend, " No man can ever have ; " Since all unarm'd, thy life was rilk'd, " A flranger s life to fave/' " Detefted were the abje6l hand !" (The fhepherd warmly cry'd,) " That to relieve fuch deep diftrefs " Its prowefs had not try'd ; " And ever bleffed be the day, " When in fuch lucky ftrife, " This weak, and far unworthy arm, " Sav'd noble Galvanh life \" But now the ancient warrior's train Appearing, gather'd round, With great amazement at the plight In which their lord was found. And much their eyes young Edwy fcann'd, And much they gaz'd to fee Galvan to fuch a lowly fwain Bewray fuch courtefy : For good as noble Galvan was, And gen'rous as his mind ; Yet lomething unto lofty pride His temper was inclined. 12 EDWY AND EDILDA. Now loud he vaunts of Edwys deeds ; And on his grateful tongue, Unnumbei'd praifes of the youth, Unnumber'd blefTings hung ! And as he clos'd his copious tale, " Behold the man," he cry'd, " Who ftill moft honour'd fhall appear, " Mod lov'd, at Galvans fide ! " And as you value Ga Ivans love, " Or rev'rence Gaivaris power ; " As you your wifhes bed would prove, " To blefs his waning hour ; '' Let gallant Edwy^ like himfelf, " Your love, your fervice fhare ; " And for his pleafure and content, " Nor pains, nor duty fpare : " Nor aged Hilda fhall lament " The abfence of her Ion ; " Since many an added flock and herd " Her fertile fields fhall own : " Thofe fields and flocks be Galvan^s gift ; " And oft her aged breall " Shall joy to fee her darling child " By pow'r and wealth carefs'd." Right onward now to Gaharis hall The num'rous train did ride ; And Edwy honour'd mod of all, Rode faft by G a Ivan's fide : EDWY AND EDILDA. 13 By Galvan^ fide he gently rode ; And as the courfer fair, With trappings gay, and carriage proud, Seem'd as he trod the air ; The blooming youth, though all amaz'd At fuch unwonted ftate, And though in homely garb attir'd, Yet firm and graceful fat : And fuch his fair demeanour was, And fuch his comely mien, That all efbeem'd his garb alone Unworthy fuch a fcene. At Galvan^ palace ftraight arriv'd, Full many a knight and peer, Expe6lant of the lord's return, They found alfembled there. To each in turn the Baron now Prefents the ftranger fwain ; And while his merits rare he told, Applaufe burft forth amain : Applaufe burft forth, and echo'd round The high and fpacious hall ; While (or to pleafe their noble hoft. Or warm'd at honour's call) The courteous nobles gather'd round, And ardent to their breaft. With femblance fair of truth and love, The blufhing Edwy prefs'd. E 14 EDWY AND EDILDA. And much they prais'd his gallant heart. And much his eafy air ; And wonder'd how a flock fo bafe Produc'd a fruit fo fair ! Not weeting that a garment coarfe, A noble mind may hide; Nor in the cot, that virtue oft Deliffhteth to abide ! Though rough as from its native bed, The precious diamond's blaze, 'Midft high-wrought lubies' glowing fires, Yet darts fuperior rays : So Edwy 'midft the courtly fons Of wealth and lofty birth Appears ; and fo eclipfes all, By native charms and worth : Eclipfes all that round him ftand, When, lo ! a brighter ftar, Outfhining every object elfe, Doth fuddenly appear : For who that view'd the countlefs charms In fweet Kdilda^ face, Or who that view'd her lovely form, Adorn'd with namelefs grace, But to that form and to that face, Immediate homage paid ; And found attention wholly bent Upon the peerlefs maid ? EDWYANDEDILDA. 15 A flowing robe of azure dye, With lilver fringes grac'd, A ruby girdle faften'd round Her finely-taper*d waift ; Thence floating largely on the ground In many a graceful wave, Unto her port, if fo could be, More majefty it gave : From one bar'd fhoulder, falling loofe, Of alabafler hue, A portion of her lovely neck It oflPer'd to the view : And yet, as envious of the boon, The filver fringe arofe. Concealing half the kinder robe Had promis'd to diiclofe. O'er her foft hands meand ring veins Of brightefl; azure ftray'd ; And with the pure furrounding white, A pleafmg contraft made : And where her gently-fwelling arm, So polifh'd, firm, and fair. Into the elbow moulded was With fymmetry mofl rare, A ruby button, carelefs fix'd Within a filver loop, The fky-blue robe, in foldings fair, Mofl: feemly gather'd up. i6 EDWYANDEDILDA. Beneath the upper loofer robe, A fnowy veil was feen ; Yet whiter, foftcr, purer far, The form it hid, I ween. An azure bufkin filver lac'd, Her flender ankle clad ; In landals like her dainty feet Did delicately tread. Her auburn treiles deftly hung, Part on her ivory neck, And part in full waves flowing down Her azure garment deck : In gather d knots a part appear d, By firings of pearl confin'd. And many a foft and fhining lock Fair wreaths of lilies bind. Her lips like opening rofe-buds glow'd, And in her fpeaking eye A piercing brightnefs mix'd its rays With fenfibility. Upon her brow high dignity, Enthron'd with meeknefs fair, Mod graceful fat ; and truth and fenfe Were fweetly blended there. Yet fomething on her forehead fair. Of dread, one might efpy ; And glift'ning tears did trembling (land, In either anxious eye. EDWY AND EDILDA. 17 So do the fhadows lovely hang On fome fair mountain's brow : So do the fapphire's foften'd rays Through clearefl cryftal fhow. At her approach in every eye Pleas'd admiration hung ; And murmurs foft of joy and love Flow'd copious from each tongue. Through the divided ranks the while, The fweet KdiUa went With trembling hafte, and to her Sire The duteous knee fhe bent. And while the duteous knee Hie bent, His hand fhe fondly prefs'd, And with a thoufand kiffes fweet His aged lips carefs'd. So round fome ancient cedar doth The fragrant jalmine twane ; So clafps and decks fome time-worn oak, The perfum'd eglantine. A fomething of that morning's chance In rumoiu's flie had heard, And therefore Vv^ith diforder'd mien, To learn the truth, appear 'd. But when upon her father's breafi: The bloody marks fhe fpy'd, Her pulfe decay 'd, and on her cheek Her wonted rofes dy'd. F ,8 EDWY AND EDILDA. But foon to eafe her lab'ring heart, The pearly forrows flow ; And foon her tongue its fpeech regains, To mitigate her woe : " Oh ! by what cruel chance," flie cry'd, " Do thefe fad marks appear ; *' What deadly villany hath left " Thefe bloody traces here ? " Ouick to your dear Edilda\ pray'r, " The dreaded truth reveal : *' Nor hope, that from a love like her 's " The w^orft you can conceal." Charm'd with her tender plaints and tears, The Hero to his breaft, With added love, and added joy, His beauteous Daughter prefs'd. And much her troubled heart he fooths, And much her Ibrrow cheers ; And often from her melting eye He kifs'd the falling tears. " O ! let my fweet Kdilda\ foul " Be comforted," he cry*d, " And let thofe dear, thofe lovely eyes, " My darling child, be dry'd ! " Nor dread thefe marks of brutal rage '' That on my bread I bear ! *' Than all my numerous fears in war, *' More lov'd, more honour'd far ! EDWYANDEDILDA. " Since thcfe alone to Galvan\ foul " Made known the genuine birth " Of every generous fentiment " That e'er adorn'd the earth : " Made courage, known in tender youth, " Beyond what veterans dare ; " And with that courage, virtue, fenfe, " And modefhv, mod rare ! " Thefe high endowments turn and view " In lowly Edwys face ; " And let EdiUa ]\xdgQ if now " Her Father flatter'd has : " Ev'n let my fweet Edi/da judge; " The while from me affur'd, " That Edwj/'s graceful form is by " His merits rare obfcuf d ! " But for thofe virtues w^hich thefe lips " So warmly, juftly, praife, " Thy Father ere this hour had touch'd " The limit of his days." Scarce had the words efcap'd his lips, Or ever fhe did fee The blooming fhepherd at her feet Upon his bended knee. His light-brown locks, in numxcrous curls, Upon his fhoulders hung ; And round his neck his wonted fcrip And pipe were lightly flung. 20 EDWY AND EDILDA. A decpen'cl colour warm'd his cheek, And made his forehead fair, And brilliant eyes, with brighter beams And finer hue, appear. Expreflion fweet, with fpirit high, Were temper'd in his face; And through that glafs the generous foul Mod clearly one might trace. His form alike with elegance And manly firmnefs blefs'd, Array 'd in youth's feducing bloom, A thoufand charms exprefs'd. Nor could the homely ruflet coat Conceal his noble air ; Which rather, from the contraft wide. More flriking did appear. A moment's paufe Kdilda made, The while her lovely eyes Dwelt on the kneeling Shepherd's form. With pleafure and furprife. Upon the Shepherd's form fhe gaz'd, Till O'er her blooiTiing cheek A fweet confufion made the blood In llronger currents break ; There fpreading from her fpotlefs breaft Where rifmg blufhes glow. As \vhen the rofy morning breaks Upon a hill of fnow. E D W Y A xN D E D I L D A. 21 Her lily hand mo ft gracioufly She proffers for a kifs ; Which Edwy gently, trembling, touch'd, As worthlefs of the blifs. And while that foft and lovely hand His red lip prefles fweet, He weqns, tranfported, that the world Is worthlefs fuch a treat ! " Believe, thou gallant Youth," ihe cry'd, " That while Edilda li v^es, " She muft remember \y\ ^vhofe hand " Her noble Sire furvives ; *' And while remembr^ ace of a boon, " So precious, I p* flefs, '' Believe, brave You ,h, my grateful heart " Shall thee uncc hng blefs." *' O lady ! graciou , good, and fair,'* Th' enraptur'd Shepherd cry'd, " To win a blefTirg from thy lips, " Edwy had w/.lling dy'd; " Too happy ! that his feeble arm " Could noble Galvan fave ; " And happier flill, of him and thee, " To live and die the flave !" And from that deiy the gallant Youth In Galvan s grateful breaft, Above each valued friend around. The deareft place poffefs'd, G 22 E D W Y AND E D I L D A. To higheft truft, to faireft ftate, Was Edwy now preferr'd ; And quickly in the Noble's court. With vantage great appear'd : For quickly to his docile mind Each liberal art was known, And polilh'd manners quickly were Peculiarly his own. Yet could not favour in his bread Beget o'erweening pride ; Still humble, model}, gentle, good, 'Midft Fortune's higheft tide. END OF THE FIRST PART. EDWY AND EDILDA. PART II. By all efteem'd, by all admir'd, And much by all carefs'd ; What anxious thought could now diilurb The heav'n in Edwfs bread ? Was halcyon peace fair virtue's do\v'r5 He fure had happy been ; But good and evil in this life Still make a motley fcene. Thus Edwy, favour'd pafl his thought, 'Midft all his bleflings found A fecret arrow in his heart Infli(5l a deadly wound. And who can doubt, that reads this tale, The fource of Edwy\ woe ? Who but will guefs Edilda\ charms, The fource from whence they flow ? Thofe dazzling charms with virtue join'd. Which Heav n itfelf approv'd ; What marvel if the Shepherd faw, Admir'd, efteem'd, and lov'd ? 24 EDWYANDEDILDA. What marvel ! when his own pure heart The tablet was mofl fair, Where every good and noble thought At large infcribed \vere. Alas ! their magic pow'r he felt Within his artlefs breaft, Long ere the flame that bicker'd there. Was to himfelf confefs'd. He fondly deem'd that rev'rence high, Efteem, and duty fair. With admiration, as of Heav'n, Alone were center 'd there. And though with high and rare delight, His eyes, he knew full well, On fweet EdiUah peerlefs face Unceafmg lov'd to dwell : Although he knew his panting heart Upon her accents hung ; And that his melting foul was loft In raptures, when fhe fung : Yet ftill the unexperienc'd youth Thefe daily tranfports prov'd ; Nor once divin'd, thofe tranfports fweet Were fymptoms that he lov'd. Day after day, with filent courfe, Thus fleeted fad awav ; But nothing yet to Edwy's felf Did Edwy's heart betray : EDWY AND EDILDA. Mean-time, of fweet Edilda\ charms, Did all-reporting Fame Through every province, far and near, The wondrous pow'r proclaim. Hence many a Warrior of renown. And many a Noble great, To Gahan's palace hy'd away. In all the pride of ftate : To Galvans palace quickly hy'd. And when admitted there. Each one Edilda foon confefs'd The faireft of the fair. But flill the Virgin's gentle heart Each fuitor woo'd in vain ; And ftill the hymeneal bands She view'd with cold difdain. Oft her indulgent Father's lips Had fworn a folemn vow, That ne'er, relu6lant to the yoke, Her bofom he would bow. And oft the gen'rous Warrior faid, His vaft pofleffions all. His noble race and honour'd na me. Without an heir fhould fall ; Or ever at the altar's foot Edilda'^ eyes fhou'd wear Averted looks, or on the bands Of Hymen drop one tear. H 26 EDWY AND E D I L D A. And though in fecret Galvan wifh'd His lovely Daughter's heart Might to fome meet Adorer's fuit Its tendernefs impart ; Yet flill as each his vows preferr'd, And quick difmiflion met, The gen'rous Noble veil'd the cares Her coldnefs did beget. The cuftom was in Galvan'^ hall, When each returning day, In various kinds of manly fports, Was cheerful worn away; To greet with many a dulcet ftrain The evening's dufky hour ; And charm the ftillnefs of the night With mufic s potent pow'r. Hence every gueft whofe happy frame Kind Heav'n the temper line To feel th' exprelTive founds had giv'n Of harmony divine, Made, either with his vocal notes, The vaulted ceiling ring, Or fwept, with many a concord fweet, The lyre's enchanting firing. As warbling wood-larks anfwer fweet, The tufted groves among. While Philomela to the moon Chants her pathetic fong : EDWYANDEDILDA. 27 So fair Edildas, plaintive notes Are heard tranfcending all ; And lb do Edwy'^s mellow tones Swell fweetly through the hall. But when to her melodious voice His pipe accords its note. And anfwers fweet, with melting drains, The mufic of her throat ; Then harmony with rapture meets Each fafcinated ear, And Silence, from the curtain'd night, Enchanted ! ftoops to hear. And fuch their forms, and fuch their grace, And fuch their fkill, that he Apollo fitly had been deem'd, And fhe Calliope. In England's court a Lord there was Of great eftate and fame; Who high in Egbert^ favour dwelt. And Edbald was his name. His age, the time when manhood firm Has pafs'd of youth the bloom. Yet ftill doth promife many years Of luflihood to come : His perfon portly, fi:rong, and tall ; His face was fiercely fair. His graceful manners pleas 'd, yet aw'd, And haughty was his air : 28 EDWYANDEDILDA. His nat'ral genius, quick and flrong, By flvilful mailers taught, With knowledge far above his peers, And wit, was amply fraught. But what are all the gifts of Heav'n, Improv'd with earthly art, If reafon and bright virtue bend, . And paflion guides the heart ? Thus Edbald^ though fupremely bleft, Difdaining reafon's fway, Obfcur'd the faireft gifts of Heav'n, And tarnifh'd virtue's ray. His heart impetuous, fcornful, vain. Could no controlment brook j And deadly fury oft his foul, As with a whirWind, fhook. Alas ! that ovei'w^eening pride Should fpoil a fruit fo fair ! That ever paflion fhould deface A gem, fo rich and rare ] Such Kdbald was, by all admir'd ; Carefs'd, though fear'd by all ; For ftill to favour, pow'r, and wealth, Will fervile flatt'ry fall. But few I ween to Edbaldh felf OfFer'd the tribute fair Of friendfliip, free from flilfehood's (lain, Of faith and love fnicere. EDWYANDEDILDA. 29 A fpacious manor, feated near To Severn's winding tide, The haughty Edbald had obtain'd When noble ErpwaU dy'd : For Erpwald^ who his uncle was, To all his fortunes fair, Childlefs himfelf, had left of late Edbald the only heir. Attended w^ith a fplendid train, He quits the court awhile ; And, to poffefs the wealth bequeath'd, Rides many a tedious mile : By Severn's fide his journey w^ends, And pafling on his road. He fudden came where Galvan's tow'rs With ample honours flood. The hour ferene of evening mild, The dazzling glare of day. In foft and flow-advancing fhades, Now filent dole aw^ay. The Noble paus'd, and to his fquire A quick commandment gives, To afk w^hat lord within thofe tow'rs So fair and flately lives ? He hies him inftant to the gate, And as the horn did found. Lord Galvans porters us'd their fpeed, And quickly gather'd round, I 30 EDWY AND EDILDA. Soon to the courteous queftion they An anfwer courteous gave : " The honour'd Galvan dwelleth here, " Rich, noble, good, and brave 1" At Gahan's name the Warrior's face A fmile of pleafure wears ; For he the aged Lord had known, Ev'n from his earheft years. And often in his father's court, An infant yet in war, Galvan his eager hand had taught To wield the fword and fpear. " Return to honour'd Galvan s gate, " Unto his fquires he cry'd ; *' And fay, Earl Edl?aU xncdjis this night " With Galvan to abide." And fcarcely had the porters ftrong Set wide the lofty gate, When Edbald on his courfer gay Pranc'd proudly in thereat. And fcarce the tidings of his guefl: Had noble Galvan heard, Or ever at his portal fair The puiflant guelf appear'd. The ancient Hero, fill'd with joy. The far-fam'd Warrior meets ; And with an open heart and arm The honour'd Noble greets. E D W Y AND E D I L D A. 31 " Welcome, thrice welcome," loud he cry'd, '' Is Edbald to my hall ! " Whatever chance has led thee here, May fair that chance befal ! (( cc And if my pow'r but mates my will, " Thy treatment here fhall be " Worthy thy honour'd father's fon, " And worthy. Lord, of thee." Mod gracioudy the valiant Earl To Galvan made reply ; And much he thank'd his greetings kind, And much his courtefy. Thence to the hofpitable hall He pafs'd with Galvan ftraight, Where many a Knight and Baron bold In focial converfe fat. And there the fweet Edilda too. With other ladies fair, As ufual, at the dufky hour Of eve, aflembled were. With other ladies fair fhe fat ; But who, when fhe was by, On other beauties ever glanc'd With an approving eye ? The filver lyre, but lately mute, Within her lily hand She lightly held ; while with his pipe, Rdwy did graceful (land : 32 E D W y AND E D I L D A. And as the accents of her voice He modeft feem'd to wait, On his fine face delight and love In glowing tranfports fat. But foon as lofty Edbald\ fteps Approach'd the circle fair, The whole aflembly deftly rofe To do him honour there. With noble mien he courteous bows To each fainting gueft. And for their courtefy, content And mickle thanks exprefs'd. Lo ! Galvan^ who a moment pafh Had quitted Edbald\ fide, His lovely Daughter leads along, With all a father's pride ! To Kdbald he prefents the maid : And as her accents fweet. With many a welcome, full, and fair, The noble Stranger greet j Aftonifhment and rapture high Were mingled in his look ! And while fhe talk'd, he furely ween'd It was an angel fpoke ! His air fo haughty vanifli'd quick, As with an alter'd eye And foften'd voice, in gallant terms. He fecmly made reply. EDWYANDEDILDA. 33 And whilft along the fpacious hall, 'Midft parted ranks they move ; He feems the (lately God of War, And (he the Oueen of Love. By fair Edilda feated clofe At Gaharis plenteous board, A rich repaft her thoufand charms His dazzled eyes afford : A rich repaft her charms afford ; The while the various feaft, And fparkling wines, before his eyes Are unregarded plac'd. But now the filver lyre he kens. And afks Edilda fweet, If harmony's foft touches were For her a pleafure meet ? At her affent the filver lyre He takes, and o'er its firings His nimble hand, with magic touch, A thoufand changes rings. Loud and more loud the fwelling chords Now all majeftic roll ; Soft and more foft now fmk away, And footh, and melt the foul. Upon his fingers finely flnrng* With harmony, the while Edilda s eyes were firmly fix'd With many a raptur'd fmile ! K 34 E D W Y AND E D I L D A. Edilda fmil'd, and all approved But one, whofe love-fick heart Seem'd from his bofom with her fmiles Impatient to depart. For while the maid delighted heard The Ikilful Edbald play, The jealous Edwy'^ wretched foul In mis'ry funk away. Upon his brows a cold dew hung, And in his heaving breafl The lab'ring figh, and quicken'd throb, An anguifh deep exprefs'd. But foon by emulation (lung, While Edbald all admir'd, To win an equal palm of praife, His fpirit high afpir'd. And to his wifh the founding lyre No fooner filent ft and s, Than Edwy tunes his mellow pipe At Galvan's kind commands. His pipe he tunes, and while each nerve The jealous Shepherd ftrains ; Unwonted tributes of applaufe His new-born fkill obtains. But Edbald far above the reft His high encomiums rung. And wonder vaft at Edwy's fls.ill Flow'd copious from his tongue. EDWY AND EDILDA. 35 And when he learnt who Kdwy was, Much marvell'd that his birth Should fo, beyond compare, be found Excell'd, by wit and worth. And much his perfon he extoll'd, And fwore his virtues rare, And courtly manners, worthy well The higheft honours were. But what avail thefe praifes now To Edvofs aching heart. Where fatal jealoufy had fix'd, Unfpy'd, her poifon'd dart ! When filent fleep had every gueft In filken flumbers laid. In vain his poppies he would flrew On Edwys haplefs head. The conflid dire of pafTions (Irong That (Iruggled in his breaft. His tortur'd foul and watchful eye Depriv'd of balmy relf . Awhile with inward groans he tofs'd, In deep and fpeechlefs woe ; Nor dar'd to probe the rankling wound, From whence fuch evils flow. At lad, unable to contain The gufl of grief, he cry'd, '' Ah ! would to God that Edwy ere " This fatal ni^ht had dv'd ! 36 EDWYANDEDILDA. " Accurfed be my feeble pipe, " That could not once infpire " The fweet regards, that waited (till " On Edbald'^ tuneful lyre. '^ Ah ! what avails his hated praife, " When fair Edildas fmile, " That wonted tribute to my lays, " Which did my heart beguile, " Unto his better, happier hand " A higher tribute paid ; " And round her lips, at Edbald'^ lays, " So long, fo fweetly play'd ? *' But, wretched fhepherd, why fhould'fl thou " Lament his fweeter ftrain ? " And why, of bright Edildds fmiles " Should one like thee complain ? " What mad prefumption thus thy heart " With impulfe ftrange can move ? " Ah ! can it be ! almighty powers ! " It/j, it mujl be love!" This fatal truth, fo long conceal'd In Edwys fecret breaft. Too late difclos'd ! with tenfold woe The wretched youth oppreft. Impatient longings, fierce defires, The throws of wdld defpair, . With jealoufy's tormenting pangs. Made dreadful havock there. E D W Y A N D E D I L D A. 37 The alter'd Ed-xy^ late the pride Of Ga Ivans crowded hall, No longer anfwer'd jocund now At mirth's convivial call : The unfrequented path he fought, And there he lov'd alone To pour his forrows on the earth, And heave the bitter groan. While others ftill in various fports Confum'd the cheerful day, To folitude and racking woe He gave himfelf away. But when the hour of ev'ning came, Then what was Edwys care ? How was his haplefs bofom torn By love, and by defpair ! 'Gainfh nature ftill in hateful mirth Conftrain'd to bear a part ; Yet hear that tongue, and meet thofe eyes, That pierc'd him to the heart. But when at fweet Edildas word The tuneful pipe he takes. And with the mufic of her voice. Soft melody awakes ; O then his gentle amorous heart Feels moft love's fubtle fire ; And while he plays, his very foul Seems melting with defire. 3$ E D W Y AND E D I L D A. A change fo great in one fo lov'd, Not long could be conceal'd, While pallid looks and fpirits broke The private pangs reveal'd. Soon Galvan^ with a friendly care, Intreats the drooping Swain To fay, what fecret difcontcnt Or ficknefs caus'd his pain. What difcontent in Galvans court, So bleft with Gahans love ? He anfwers mild, " Can Edwys heart " With bafeil influence move ? " With lurking malady alone " His grateful heart's oppreft ; '' And eafe and cheerfulnefs are driven, " With health, from Edwys, breafl.'' The fkilful leeches fummon'd now, Their utmoll aid impart ; But all in vain ! the evil lay Beyond the reach of art. Meantime the fweet Edildas eves In Edwys alter'd face. And languid fpirits, quickly faw The fatal change there was. She faw, and mourif d ; for palling well She priz'd the gentle youth, For plealing converfe, talents rare. For modefly and truth : EDWY AND EDILDA. And of his welfare fhe inquir'd Full oft, \\'ith tender care ; And watch'd his cheek, and griev'd to fee The rofes dying there. No more fhe joy'd to hear the lyre By Edbald nimbly fwept : And when he urg'd his tender fuit, She only figh'd and wept. She figh'd and wept ; for well fhe knew Her honour'd Father s heart, In Rdbald'^ vows, and Edbald's pains, Still bore an anxious part. By love arrefted, Edbalds fteps In Galvans court had ftay'd ; And all his thoughts had center'd long In the enchanting maid. But fore the haughty Lord was touch 'd, To find his proffer d love In fair Edildds adverfe breaft No foft return could move. And oft indignant he had vow'd To pay her fcorn with fcorn : But ftill the pow'r of mighty love Such vows had overborn. Convinced at lafl: that all his pride To combat love was vain, He hopes, from time and tender care, His wifhes to obtain. 39 40 EDWY AND EDILDA. The P-enerous Galvan too, her heart By foothing foft would move, And mild perfuafion's pow'rful voice, To fmile on Edbald\ love. Yet ftill the coy determin'd maid Reje6led all his pray'rs ; And clofely prefs'd, would urge his vow, And bind it with her tears. With inward grief fhe mark'd the while Poor Edwy's faft decay ; And figh'd to fee fo fair a flow'r So early fade away. One evening as he trembling Rood, And with his pipe fo clear, Accompanied her melting notes, That all were charm'd to hear ; The tears, unheeded, from his cheek Dropt frequent on the book Where fweet Kdilda\ lovely eyes Attentively did look. She heard them fall, fhe faw them moift, Upon the notes fhe fung ; While pity throb'd within her breaft. And trembled on her tongue : But ending now, fhe fuddcn turn'd With fweet and tender air. And prayd, in whifpers foft, to know The caufe of Edwy\ care. EDWYANDEDILDA. 41 " Afk not," he cry'cl, " the fatal caufe " From \vhence my forrows flow. " O ! afk not what I ne'er mull fpeak. " Nor you fhould ever know." He added not, and from her turn'd, Diftrefs'd, his glo^ving cheek, While foft im'oluntary lighs Her fecret anguifh fpeak. Yet flill th' emotion foft to hide, She us'd her utmoft care : Nor dar'd once queftion her fond heart, What paflions wreftled there, A cuftom was in Kgberf^ court. When bloody wars did ceafe. And doughty warriors arms were laid Upon the lap of peace ; Left warlike arms and pow'rs Oiould rufl, To mark the lifted field. Where Heroes, fam'd for val'rous deeds, The glittering lance might wield. Nor fame alone, nor love of arms. Their beating bofoms fir'd, A fofter pafTion oft their hearts More ardently infpir'd. Hence many a Knight and Baron bold Had borne the envied prize, Encourag'd by th' approving glance Of fome kind beauty's eyes. M 42 EDWYANDEDILDA. But ftill within the lifted field, For prowefs, none could dare With noble Edhald''^ matchlels might Prefumptuous ! to compare. Lo ! at his willi his noble hoft Invites, both far and nigh, Each valiant Knight and Baron bold To deeds of Chivalry. For Edbald held a fecret hope, That, with high deeds of fame, His arm in fweet Ediidds breaft Might roufe the fleeping flame. The Heralds foon to all around, The tidings loud declare ; And fay, '• the Vi6lors choice rewards " With honour great fhall wear. " The firft in might Edildds hand " A coftly fword fliall give, " With golden hilt of curious work. " The fecond fliall receive " A brightly-polifh'd ebon bow, " With filver ringlets grac'd ; " And in the bow a taper fhaft " Of filver, featly plac'd." Ouickly doth many a Warrior brave His goodly arms prepare ; And weens with glory in the lifts To poifc the pond'rous fpear. EDWY AND EDILDA. 43 But Edhald^ far beyond them all, His anxious cares addreft ; For valour, glory, pride, and love, All burnt within his breaft. The rofy morn now blufhes bright, When many a deed of fame, Emblazon'd fair in honour s field. Shall s^race the Hero's name. The fpace is mark'd, the feats are fix'd ; And foon the ladies fair, A goodly train ! in bright array, Aflembling, reded there. With Galvan fat the Lords and Knisrhts, Whofe valour feeble age Forbad the glorious tournament With vigorous youth to wage. High in the centre, underneath A gorgeous canopy. The fair Edilda charm'd each heart, And dazzled every eye. Sweet wreaths of rofes bind her hair With many a fragrant twine, And purple robes, and jewels bright, To deck her charms combine. Than purple robes, or jewels bright, Her charms more fliining far ; Nor could the rofes with her cheeks. Nor with her breath compare ! 44. E D W Y A N D E D I L D A. Upon her knees the bow was laid, One Viftor's fair reward ; And in her hand fhe graceful held The coflly glittering fword. Yet penfive languors fomewhat duU'd The brightnefs of her eye ; And oft her fnowy breaft appear'd To heave a gentle figh. For wretched Edwys mournful words, Still founded in her ear ; And much fhe mourn'd, where glory call'd, That Edwy was not there : His abfence mourn'd from honour's field ; But more the cankering tooth Of forrow, that withheld him thence, And blighted fore his youth. The trumpets found, the barriers ope ; And in the lifts appear Full many a Champion, mounted bold Upon his courfer fair. Their armour fhines, they point the lance, Their nimble courfers bound; And with a firm and warlike air They prance the lifts around. Forthwith a Pageantry moft rare Engages every eye, Where Arms, and Steeds, and Warriors fhew With mickle bravery. E D \V Y A N D E D I L D A. 4^ A gallant Champion heads the train-, Upon a milk-white fteed, Whofe gilded trappings glitter bright About his tofTmg head. And now his arched neck he bows On his broad bofom fair, Now proudly fnorting champs his bit, And fnuffs the ambient air. His eager eye-balls glow with fire, And while he thunders round, His golden fhoes, with paces high. Spurn as they touch the ground. The puilTant Warrior on his back All fiercely graceful rode ; And fhook his lance, till chilling fear Ran fliiv'ring through their blood. His armour fplendid w^as to view, Of polifh'd fteel and gold; And with a mighty hand he ftill His fiery fleed control'd. Upon his polifh'd helmet high The fpangled plumage fhone; And flow-ing half-way down his back, Wav'd fparkling to the fun. Upon his fhield, in rare device ! Was feen a Painting brave, Where Love, the Palm of Valour to A kneeling Warrior gave, N 46 EDWY AND EDILDA. Above in golden letters bright, Thefe words were feen the while ; "Love, thouart juft !" and thefe beneath, " I conquer by thy fmile." A numerous train his fleps attend, And round the lifted field, In ftiining pairs behind him rank'd, A goodly profpeft yield. But as the Warrior paft the place Where fweet Edilda fhone, With couched lance, in fair falute, He graceful bow'd him down : And as the beaver he did lift, His face was well defcry'd ; And Edbald^s high renowned name Was heard on every fide. The trumpets found a fprightly charge, The t liters take their ft and. And wait with ardent throbbing breafts. The clarion's laft command. It fhrilly founds; and now amain, Along the quaking ground. The champions rufti ; they furious clafli ;. And clanging arms refound. Full many a Warrior of renown On that redoubted day. With batter'd mail, and bruifed limbs, In duft low grov'ling lay. EDWY AND EDILDA. 47 But ft ill above each tilter bra\'c, F^^lyI Ed^a/ J gloYious {hone; And each encounter more declared The envied prize his own. At length as round he proudly wheel'd With fierce and fcornful air, He ween'd that no adventurous Knight Would further conteft dare. But vainly ween'd ! for once again The martial trumpets found ; And once again a rival Knight Appear'd within the bound. And much his form, and motions much, Attra6led every eye ; And in his mien a fpirit rare, And grace, one might efpy. Upon a coal-black fteed he rode. That like the ebon fhone ; And all his armour wore the face Of one quite woe-begone. For all of black his armour was, But where upon his breaft, A bleeding heart quite pierced through, His malady expreft. And round the heart, in curious guife, This motto did appear, In flaming letters portray 'd bright; " I love, and I defpair !" 48 EDWYANDEDILDA, The clarions found, — like rufhing winds The courfers wing their way; And at their mighty fhock each bread Is fiU'd with ftrange difmay; At the fierce flroke of E Said's fpear, The fable Warrior reel'd, But with his blow the puiffant Earl Lay (Iretch'd upon the field. Each bofom at the Hero's might Is fiU'd with vaft furprife, And long applaufes echo round, And rend the vaulted fliies. Another, and another yet, Within the lifted field. The fable Warrior's thund'ring arm Reludant forc'd to yield. At length, to hail the trumpet's voice, Thrice founding far and near. No Champion to conteft the prize Of valour, durft appear. To fweet J^^^VZ/^s-'s judgment- feat, The vi6lor now they lead. Where of his prowefs from her hand. He, kneeling, takes the meed. And while the coftly glittering fword She gracioufly beftows ; " May this," fhe cried, " defend thee ftill, " And ftill ofiFcnd thv foes!" EDWY AND EDILDA. 49 The Warrior bow'd with mickle grace; And as he touch'd her hand, No longer could his lab'ring brcaft Its fervours flrong command. " All-honour'd maid!" (in tranfports loft) " By thy dear hand," he cry'd, " While life remains, this envied fword " Shall honour Edwys fide," The words were paft: without recall ; Deep bluflies wann her cheek, While from her faint and fault'ring tongue Thefe trembling accents break: " Why, Edwy^ why doft thou perfifL " To wound my tender heart? — " But time is fhort^ hence, quickly hence; " Unfeen, unheard, depart. " Kdtlda would not for the world "It ever fhould appear, " That noble Edbald was overthrown "' By lowly Edwys fpear." «' Fear not," in whifpers foft, he cry'd, " That Edwy fhall be known " To any eye that views him here " But thine, fweet maid, alone." " Nor had Edilda Edwy found, ''- Had not his treach'rous tongue, " And treach'rous heart, the purposed cloud '' Difpell'd, that round him hung." o ^o EDWYANDEDILDA. With low obeifance, fighing, now He quits EdiUas feet, And, like a fhadow, from the lifts, Unknown, doth fwiftly fleet. Edbald the while, whofe haughty foul Was fill'd with rage and fhame, Curfes the arm whofe deadly force Had fullied his bright fame. Behold, with fierce indignant mien. Sunk eye, and low'ring brows, To meet the fecond prize decreed, Before the maid he bows. The ebon bow fhe graceful gives, And arrow ftraight and fair ; And foothing tells how much the prize Beneath his merits are. " The prize by thy beloved hand "■ Is precious made," he cry'd; " But ere Earl Edbald faw this day, " 'Twere better he had dy'd; " Since at the hour when moft he wifh'd " Bright Fame to bear away, " At that accurfed hour alone, '' His laurels knew decay. " O! let this hand the champion meet " Once more, ye Powers above ! *^ Then mortal conflicl fhail the force '' Of Edbald' s vengeance prove. EDWYANDEDILDA. 51 " Then what it is to roufe my rage, " The trembling wretch fhall find; " Then fhall his blood, to heal my fame, " Be fcatter'd to the wind!" Forthwith the w^hole alTembly rofe, And willing turn'd their feet Where Galvans tables (lordly fpread) The harafs'd fpirits greet. And there around the fpicy bowls They focial chat away, According to their feveral thoughts, The fortunes of the day. But ftill the valiant Stranger's name All curious are to know ; And dill from each impartial tongue His well-earn'd praifes flow. END OF THE SECOND PART. EDWY AND EDILDA. PART III. EdWY, the while, apart retir'd, His lonely pillow preft, A thoufand cares diftrading wide The empire of his bread. A fecret pleafure each kind look. And every gracious word Of fweet Edilda^ in the lifts, His mufing mind afford. Her foft confufion, tender fears, In dear remembrance rife; And Hope begins to warm his cheek, And fparkle in his eyes. But fcarce fhe flafhes through the night, That hangs about his heart, Ere fell defpair the welcome gueft Conftraineth to depart. " Prefumptuous wretch!" he fighing cries, " What madnefs thus can move " Thy foul to harbour but a thought " Of bright Edilda\ love! EDWY AND EDILDA. S3 " The generous maid's emotions foft, " From pity rofe alone; " Though by that pity Edmy\ heart " Is but the more undone. " Ov JJoould d. phrenfy, like thy own, " Her tender breall bearuile. " Upon thy ill-condition'd love " To caft a fav'ring fmile; " Could' (l thou, ungenerous ! from the height '*^ Where brightly fhe doth fhine, " Could' ft thou debafe the noble maid " To fuch a ftate as thine? " Could'ft thou, ungenerous youth! confent " From honour to depart, " In Galvans bread a viper prove, " And fling him to the heart? '' Let gratitude the monftrous thought " Within thy bread control; " And every noble impulfe drive " Such bafenefs from thy foul! " No! tortur'd as this bofom is, '' Yet Edwy dill diall be " Virtuous, amidd the word extremes " Of all his miferv!" The generous purpofe feems awhile His anguifh to appeafe; And fcatters through his bofom's gloom A few bright rays of peace: p C4 EDWY AND EDILDA. For lovely innocence alone The talent rare can know, To lighten, with a radiant fmile, - The dark abyfs of woe. But quick the momentary gleam From Edwys bofom fleets; And Edbald^ like a fiend of hell, His wild idea meets. Frantic, he cries, " Can Edwy's foul " That dreadful moment bear, " When Edbald\ blifs fhall drive it on " To tortures, and defpair ! *' Yet, why fhould this ungenerous heart " Repine at Edbald's blifs ? '' Why the poor wreck fhould that deftroy " Of Edwy's fhatter d peace ? *' His pow'r^ his honours, wealth, and worth, . " His perfon, his high name; " All, all, to fweet Edildah hand " A title large proclaim. " Why, why then did my jealous foul, " Vain to fubdue his might, '* In fecret feek the lifted field, " Beneath the mafic of night? ^' Did not that veil a purpofe dark " To every heart betray ? '' Elfc why difguis'd fhould Edwy fhun " The tell-tale eye of day ? EDWY AND EDILDA. S5 " Why, proudly, did I wifh to fliine " In fweet Edilda% eyes? *' Why from her noble Suitor wifh, " Bafely, to win the prize ? '' Why does the bold ungenerous deed " Not now difpleafe my heart? " And why the Warrior s fuUied fame " An envious joy impart ? " O let me hade from Galvan\ court " The fpoiler to remove, " That blights the wifhes of his heart, " And cankers Edbald'^ love! «f Then fhall Edildas kinder eye " Her w^orthier lover blefs ; *' And noble Galvan's generous foul " Its whole defire poffefs. " Yet once again, before my heart " In folitude forlorn, <' Th' eternal lofs of all it loves " Shall unremitting mourn; <« Yet once again, Edildas charms " Shall blefs poor Edwfs fight, '' Before his eye-lids wifli to clofe " In everlaifing night. «' O! may the Pow'rs above for her " A happier lot prepare! " O 1 may fhe ne'er, like Edwy^ know " To love, and to defpairl" ^6 EDWYANDEDILDA. The haplefs Youth in ufelefs plaints, Thus pafl the night away; And role, difpirited and pale, At morn's returning ray. In happier days, when halcyon peace The gliding moments bleft. Nor Rdwy kenn'd the lurking (haft That rankled in his breaft : At times, beneath a blooming bowV, That hid the eye of day, At fweet Edildas bidding he His tuneful pipe would play. 'Midft fummer's heats Edilda ftill The paftime much approv'd; And who can doubt that what fhe lik'd Th' empaffion'd Edwy lov'd ? A winding row of fringed elms Led to the cool retreat, Whofe rugged trunks were circled by The pea and woodbine fweet. The bow'r itfelf, a little heav'n Of various fweets compofe. Where jafmines and the fragrant brier Would emulate the rofe. Nor eglantines were wanting there, Nor myrtles odorous green. Which ft)rm'd a fccmly contraft to The flow'rs that blufh'd between. EDWY AND EDILDA. 57 Sweet flowrets of a thoufand dyes Enamell'd thick the ground, And with the bow'r's foft perfume vy'd To fcent the air around. Here each plum'd warbler of the grove With em-y ftretch'd his throat, To rival Edwys dulcet drains, With many a liquid note. While the clear brook, that winding flow'd Befide the calm retreat, Its lulling gurglings join'd to form A mufic ftrangely fweet. Not Eden's felf a fairer fpot Could boaft 'midft all her bow'rs, What time calm innocence repos'd On beds of fragrant flow'rs. The haplefs Kdwy^ at the hour Of frefh and dewy morn, To this fequefler'd fpot his fteps Unweetingly did turn. Unweetingly his fleps he turn'd; For, loft in woe, his mind Rul'd not his feet, which thitherward From habitude inclin'd. Not fo EdiUas^ w^ho had ris'n At earlieft dawn of dav, And to the bow r with purposed ftep. Had foftly fped away. 58 E D W Y A N D E D I L D A, Unto her favourite bow'r flie fped; For there fhe thought alone, Unfeen, unheeird, to drop the tear. And heave th' unflinted groan. A fad condraint the evening pad, Her tender heart had found, Which labour d with a load of grief Amidfl: the mirth around. Each ardent glance of E Said's eye Shot poifon in her breafl ; And new difguft deform'd each word He tenderly addrefs'd. But when the founds of Edzvys praife Ran murmuring through the hall, The pulfe that flutter d in each vein, Confefs'd her bofom's thrall. Too well flic gather 'd whence her heart Such jarring paffions move ; Felt thofe w^ere born of bitter hate, And thcfe of gentle love. In vain, beneath the cope of night, Her downy couch fhe prefs'd ; Long had it loft its filken pow'r To feal her eyes in reft. Yet ftill in filence fhe endur'd ; Nor, though ftie felt the fmart, Dar'd from her breaft attempt to tear The deep inflided dart : E D W Y AND E D I L D A. 59 So fome poor wretch a barbed (liaft Bears from the mortal fray ; Yet from his bofom fears to draw What drinks his life away. Upon th' enamcll'd turf fhe lay, Within the fragrant bow'r; Of all the lovely flow'rs around, Herfelf the loveliell flow'r. Her loofen'd robes had carelefs left Her bofom quite reveal'd, Had not the trefles copious flow'd, And half its fnow conceal'd. Yet now and then a whifpering breeze O'er the light locks would blow, Bewraying through their glolly threads The paradife below. Upon her elbow penfively The beauteous maiden leant ; Her lily hand upheld her head : The while her eyes were bent Upon the fatal book, which flill In one well-noted place, With haplefs Edwys frequent tears. All flain'd and blotted was. And as the dear yet dreaded page Her fad eyes ponder'd o'er, A thoufand tears would quickly fall, Where one had fall'n before. 66 EDWY AND EDILDA. Upon the moment, Edwys feet Approach'd the weeping Fair ; And much his wonder was to fee Her beauties refling there. A thoufand wild and clafhing thoughts His beating bofom move, Divided 'twixt defire and fear, 'Twixt reverence and love. But what affli6lion rives his heart, When the fweet maid appears, As nigh he (teals, wdth faded cheek. And all diffolv'd in tears ! What ftronsc emotions heav'd his bread ! As movingly fhe cry'd, " Ere Edwy came, O! would to God, " Edilday thou hadft dy'd !" No more his agonizing heart Its paflions could command, Before her feet he call him down ; And while he touch'd her hand, " O ! would to God," he fobbing cry'd, " That Edwy on his bier " Had cold been ftretch'd, or ere he cofl '' Thofe lovely eyes one tear 1" Aftonifh'd to behold the youth, Edilda inftant rofe ^ Blufhing, as when the dewy morn With humid luftre glows. EDWYANDEDILDAi $s And as the pearly drops that fell Down her warm cheek, fhe dry'd; With fweet, but yet majcflic ah', Thus gracefully reply 'd: " Rife, Edwy ! rife, unhapp)^ Youth! " And fmce by chance alone, " My tongue impell'd, hath weetlefs made " My guarded paflion known; " Edilda fcorns beneath deceit " Her fentiments to hide ; " Nor would a refuge meanly feek, " From bafhfulnefs, or pride. *' Yes, Edwy^ yes, this throbbing heart " Feels all thy merits rare ; " Upon this bofom all thy charms " Too deeply graven are. " Yet, if Edilda well thou know'ft, " A thought will never be " Infpir'd of this, unworthy her, " Nor yet unw^orthy thee. " Then fearlefs tell the tender tale " That throbs within thy breall; " So, with the temper of thy love, " Its worth fhall (land confefs'd. '^ O ! much Edilda s thoughts have err'd^ "If aught is there conceal'd, *' That to the world's malignant eye " Might dread to be reveal'd." R 63 E D W Y AND E D I L D A. *^ Tranfcendant Maid!" the Youth return'd, *' There wanted only this '' Quite to deftroy the poor remains " Of wretched Edwy's blifs! " Alas ! had Love his deadly fhaft " Fix'd in this bread alone ; *' It dill, anaidfl: my fharpeft pangs, " A gleam of joy had known. •' At diftance, ftill my foul had dwelt " On fweet EdiUas blifs; •' And from her day of joy deriv'd " Some glimmerings of peace, *' Yes, noble Maid, from the fir ft hour " Thefe eyes beheld thy charms, *' My beating bofom deeply felt " The force of love's alarms. *' Yet unexperienc'd as I was, " I knew not my own heart, " Till lynx-ey'd jealoufy at length " Betray 'd the lurking dart. " From that fad moment was my foul " A prey to dire defpair, •' The while my alter'd cheek confefs'd " Some mifchief itruggled there. *' Alas ! 't was this, and this alone, " The purpofe wild could move, ** To rend from noble Edbald'^ hand " The envied prize of Love. EDWY AND EDILDA. 6j *' But when upon my fecret bed " My motives lay reveal'd ; " Nor longer could my inmofl foul " Be from my eye conccal'd : " Then, then, my jealoufy fhow'd rank " Beneath the confcious night ; '* And all my mad prefumption flood " Confefs'd before my fight. " And whilft ingratitude and art, ^' With envy, dark and foul, " Too plain I faw, their dwelling had " In my polluted foul ; " With horror ftruck, I firmly fwore " The fpoiler to remove, " That blafted noble Galvan\ peace, " And canker'd Edbald\ love. " Hence have my (leps bewilder d trod, " At morning's dewy hour ; " And hence, unweetingly they ftray'd " Befide this fragrant bow'r. " O ! never more beneath its fhade " Shall happy Edwy play " With jocund pipe, at thy beheft, *' The noontide hour away ! " Nor ever at the clofe of eve, " By fair Edildds fide, " Shall Edwy fwell, to mate her voice, " His notes, with mickle pride ! ^4 EDWYANDEDILDA. " The hours of peace for ever fled ! " To rocks and woods alone •' His grief fliall flow ; and there, at lafl, "In peace fliaU lay him down. " Yet 'midft the throes of fell defpair, "His heart a joy would prove, " To know thy bofom felt no more " The pangs of hopelefs love." His tears and fighs now choak'd his fpeech, The while Edildds foul Its vafl: conflicting paflions feem'd Unequal to control. At length with fervour fhe reply 'd, While down her lovely face, The filent tears, in burfting drops, Each other fwiftly chafe : " Nobly hath Edwy to my foul "His worthiness approv'd ; " And juftify'd Edildah heart, *' In ftooping, where it lov'd. " Yes, Edwy ! now^ with pride, my tongue " Its paflion fhall confefs, " Though that ill-fated paflion fure '' No fav'ring ftar will blefs 1 *' For well my noble Father's worth, " Yet M^ell his pride I know ; " Full well I ken the debt to him, " And to myfelf I owe. E D W Y A N D E D I L D A. 65 " He never in the hour of care " Shall curfe EdiUas name, 1' For fully ing, with unequal bands, " The luflre of his fame. '* Nor fliall his blood, fo highly priz'd, " I fwear by duty ! be, " Whatever mifery is my doom, " T>'i{hono\.\v'dJirJi in me. " Yet think not thy Edildas heart " Inconftant e'er will prove ; " Think not this bofom can abjure " Who warm'd it firft to love. " Never fliall haughty Kdbald'^ ear "• This foft confeffion know ; '' Nor ever at the altar's foot, " To Hymen will I bow. *' Enough is given to cruel pride, '' And duty too fevere ; •' No rival ever fhall fupplant " Thy lovely image here." She ceas'd. He, fighing, thus return'd : " Exalted, generous Fair ! " The tribute thou would'fl pay my love, " Far too exalted were. " Recall thy vow : Thy Father's years " Let thy fair offspring charm ; " And may their growing virtues long " His aged bofom warm. s ^ EDWYANDEDILDA* " O ! let not, for a wretch like me, " A race fo noble ceafe ; " O ! lay thy Father's filver hairs " Within the grave in peace ! " I afk but this ! — to kifs thy hand " Before I wretched go '■' For ever hence ! — Soft, fhe reply 'd, " Fond lovers part not fo. " Upon my lips thy lad adieus " Moil freely fhalt thou feal ; «' And on thefe faithful lips, till death, " Thofe dear adieus fhall dwell. " In vain thy gentle, generous foul " My iix'd refolves would move : " No other tongue fhall charm my ear, "Or footh my heart to love." On her foft lips the trembling lips Of Edwy gently dwell ; And thence with many a preffure fweet. Take many a fweet farewel. '• Thou darling youth," flie weeping cry'd, "Why fhould we ever part ? " But it muji be ; yet ftill with thee " Shall dwell Edildas heart." Then mingling kiffes, tears, and fighs, One lad adieu they take. And from each other's circling arms, In fpeechlefs forrow break. EDWY AND EDILDA; 67 Unto her couch, half dead with grief, The fweet Edllda flole ; And there in private uttcr'd all The anguifh of her fouh Poor Edwy by a different path Fad to his chamber hies ; And there awhile upon his bed, Abforb'd in forrow, lies. At length a chofen friend he feeks. And to his faithful breaft, With many a pity-moving figh. His wretched llate confefs'd. Then begs a rough difguife, ere morn, His friendfhip would fupply ; In which, unheeded, he might pafs From every prying eye. For ere the filent fhades of night Were wholly paft away, He meant from noble Gahan's court Eternally to ftray. A letter too he prays his friend Would give to Galvan\ hand, What time he aught of Edwys health Should on the morn demand. For ftill the grateful Baron's heart Had fhown affe6lion fair To the fad youth, and made his health The fubje^l of his care. ^8 EDWY AND EDI L DA. The generous Ofred freely fwore, His friendlhip would fulfil. With care exa6l, the utmoft fcope Of honour'd Edvoy's will. And much his fortune he deplores^ And much laments to fee His fair eftate fo foon deftroy'd By Love's fevere decree. For Galvan now the haplefs youth. With trembling hand, prepares This fad epiftle, which he bath'd, While writing, with his tears : " From Galvan^s court, by fortune hard, " For ever forc'd to wend ; " O ! let not Galvan s gen'rous foul " The ftrange refolve oflFend. " Nor let his kindnefs ever feek '' The caufe of Rdwy\ woe ; " Which fits not, or his pen to write, " Nor Galvan^ heart to know\ " Yet 'midft the fhades of folitude, " And pangs of wild defpair, " A grateful fenfe of Gaivans love " Shall Edvoys bofom bear. *^ Nor from that love, nor thefe blefs'd feats, " Would Edwy e er depart 5 " But that he dreads to plunge a fword "In noble Galvaris heart. E D W Y A N D E D I L D A. 69 " O ! may that godlike heart ne'er feci " The pangs of deep diilrcfs ; '• But from the gracious hand of Heaven *' Its whole dcfire poflefs V Scarce was the cruel taflv perform'd, Ere one his chamber fought ; | Who from the aged Warrior's felf This friendly meflage brought : '' The gallant Edwy, well belov'd, " May every good befal ! "His prefcQce much doth Gahan wifh " To grace the mirthful hall." " All honour to the noble Lord," The fighing youth return d ; And his forc'd abfence from the hall By adverfe ficknefs mourn'd. The anfwer all unwelcome, was To generous Gahan s ear ^ And much the fickly youth he wailU To all that round him were. From thence occafion fair he took. Upon th'enfuing morn, To wifli the pleafures of the chafe, With merry hound and horn; To wifh the pleafures of the chafe, Within the felf-fame wood, Where firft he in his deep diftrcfs The gallant Shepherd yiew'd. T 70 EDWY AND EDILDA. For ftill the fpot, with micklc pride, The Noble lov'd to trace ; And to his honour'd gueil would fain Bewray the noted place. The fair Edihla^ too, he vows, To pleafure Edbald\ heart, Shall in the coming morning s fports Bear an unwonted part. Nor flie diffents ; for oft her bread A fecret wifli had held, To view the fpot where Edwy\ hand The furious wolf had quell'd. What, though for ever from her fight The Youth was forc'd to fly ? She knew the place that grac'd his name Mud gratify her eye. Meantime the trufty Ofred's hand The ruftic garb prepares ; Which to his friend, with falling night. Though loth, he fafcly bears. Juft as her fable veil was ting'd With twilight's fober ray. Clad like a goatherd, wath his pipe Poor Edwy flole away. His favour high, and fortunes fair, Fair robes, and arms, forfakes ; Save that beneath his homely coat The valued fword he takes. KDWY AxND EDILDA. 71 For what \A'as favour now to him ? Or what his fortunes fair ? EdiUa lofl I the w^orld had been No obje(5l worth his care. From noble Gahan's lofty gate Relu6lantly he wends ; And to the aged Hilda s farm His heavy travel bends. For dill to Hilda^ 'midft his ftatc. All honour he had paid ; Nor had his heart with fortune's fmiles, From duty ever ftray'd. And though he wifli'd to wander far From fcenes of former blifs, He meant to paufe till filent death Had feafd her eyes in peace. Not long the Sun's refulgent beams Had gladden'd Nature's face, Ere wretched Edwy^ weary feet Their native woodlands trace. Then as the (leepy rock he view'd That nodded o'er the plain, Where he was wont, in happier days, To pipe his carelefs flrain ; A thoufand fond ideas rufh Upon his lab' ring foul ; And for a while, with magic power, His wandering fteps control 72 EDWY AND EDILDA. *' Ah ! would to God my heart," he cry'd " A joy had never known, " Paihng what yon fequefter'd fliade " And deep)' rock have fhown 1 " Ah ! would to God, with calm contenty " I thither now could dray ; " And, recklefs of the pangs of love, " Pafs with my pipe the day ! " E'en yet, forlorn as Edvoy is, "His ileps once more fhall trace, '' And weary body reft once more " Upon the well-known place." So fome unhappy fpright at times From its dark prifon wends, And to the fcenes of former blifs Its courfe at midnight bends. But vainly Edivy ftrives to reft Beneath the once-lov'd fliade ; The pleafant fpot his grief had now A dreary dcfert made. Ah ! deadly potency of grief, Which every obje6i: fair, 'Gainft Nature, its own gloomy face Can ftill compel to wear ! Not long the haplefs youth had wept Beneath the beeches fhade. Ere oft- repeated fhrieks he heard Re-echo through the glade. EDWY AND EDILDA. 77 ' Here, underneath the fecret fhade, " Upon his bafe-born breaft, ' I faw that cold, that fcornful Maid, " Her head impadion d rell:. ' Who but mufl know this dark difguife " Was for the purpofe made? ' Who but mud know for this fhe fled '' With art to feek the fhade? ' And whilfl her foft deceitful tongue "Its tender love exprefs'd, ' The villain faw, and aim'd a fword, " Infidious, at my breaft. ' Aflonifh'd at a fcene fo flrange, " A vantage great he found, ' And laid me with a fudden blow " Unwarn'd upon the ground. ' Nay, had not in a lucky hour " The noble Galvan came, ' His fword had buried in my breaft " At once their love and fhame." More had he faid, but that his fpeech, With quick indignant eye, With burning cheek, and mingled air Of fcorn and dignity, Th^ fair Edilda fudden here With interruption crofs'd : '' Bafe man !" fhe cried, '* to truth, to fhame, " To honour, wholly lofl.. ^8 EDWYANDEDILDA. " As far above thy calumny " Shall Edwfs virtues lliine, ^' As his pure foul fuperior is " To fuch a foul as thine. " Thus wrong'd, deceit and dread I fcorn ; " Then let my Father's ear, " Let all the world in witnefs {land,- ** To what I loud declare : *' Yes, long I've lov'd this gallant Youth, " And ftill his heart fhall be " Above the greateft monarch's vows, " Cherifh'd and priz'd by me. " Yet never till the morn foregone " The love within her breall, ** Conceal'd with care, Edildas tongue " To Edwyh heait confefs'd. " Nor then the virtuous youth had kenn'd '* The dart that rankled there, *'• Had not unthought-of chance betray 'd " The fecret to his ear, " Yet fancy not Kdilda\ foul, " By palTion blindly fway'd, " A daughter's duty to her love " The facrifice has made, " No fooner were her thoughts reveal'd, " Than fhe refolv'd to prove " The bitt'reft forrows that could flow " From difappointed love. EDWYANDEDILDA. 79 *' For Gahan's fame, and noble blood, '' I fwear (hall never be, " Whatever mifery is my doom, " Dilhonour'd firll in me. " Nor did the generous Edwy Urive " To win with guile my heart ; " Nor breathe one wdfh Edildas foul *' From duty fliould depart. " Hence in difguife this morn he left " His favour, fortunes, fame ; '' Grateful and virtuous, freely hence " An outcaft he became. " Hence hap'ly wand'ring through this wood, *' He faw my wretched meed ; " And hence to fave my threaten'd life " Flew with an angel's fpeed. " Witnefs thefe bruifes and this blood " That ftill my bofom ftain ; " Nay, witnefs thou ignoble Lord, " Bafe author of my pain. " And well thou know'Il the gentle youth " Sought not the mortal flrife ; " Know'ft well, he baffled thy bafe arm, " But to prefei-ve his life. " But in her Father's prefence now "His injur'd daughter fwears " (And well he knows her dauntlefs foul " His truth and firmnefs bears), 8o liDWY AND E D I L D A. '' That Iboner fhall the cruel hawk " Mate with the gentle dove, " Than e'er this bofom fhall incline " To favour Edbald\ love. *• In this alone a father's will, " His force, nay tears ^ I'll brave, " Edildds proflituted vow^s " No hufband e'er fhall have.'* The generous Beauty ended here ; And on h^r ardent tongue Her Father's ear with wonder, grief. And deep attention, hung. .He knew her noble nature well. And well her honour knew ; Nor doubted once the candid tale Her lips had fpoke was true. To Kdwy now he frowning turn'd, And with a fmother'd figh Afk'd " What to Edbald'^ heavy charge " He juftly could reply ?" " Thy gracious Daughter," he return'd, " For Kdwy hath reply 'd, " With truth her lips the charge againfl " His honour have deny'd. " If to have lov'd her be a crime ; " Or if to love her ftill " While life remains, a crime can be, " Your vengeance now fulfil. EDWY AND EDILDA. Sunk as he was in bitter woe. Yet dill his generous heart Was ready, when diftrefs implor'd. Its fuccour to impart. Inftant he rufhes to the path That opens through the wood ; Ah ! what a fpe6lacle of woe His eyes that inftant view'd ! A fiery courfer from her feat A lady gay had thrown ; Who hanging by die tender foot, He dragg'd remorfelefs on. And while he furious drove between The thick furrounding wood, Her pallid face, and flowing hair, Were all imbru'd with blood. A fight fo fad the hardefl heart Had fure to pity turn d ; What then did Edwy's feel, which flill Had with the mourner mourn'd ? As quick as thought he crofs'd and check'd The wild impetuous fteed, And from her dreadful bondage foon The hopelefs lady freed. But fure th' emotions of his foul No language can exprefs, When all EdiUas charms appcar'd Upon the fair-one's face ! u 7^ 74 EDWY AND E D I L D A. Nor lefs did her ailonifh'd heart With pow'rful feelings beat, W'^hen in a goatherd's garb fhe faw ' Young Edwy at her feet. Upon his bread her lovely head He laid with tender care, And trembling wip'd away the blood That foil'd her face and hair : And while he wip'd the clotted gore, Almoft expir'd with fear ! Left underneath fome deadly gafli Should fuddenly appear. But though full many a ruthlefs bruife And bleeding fcratch he found ; His heart was comforted to learn There was no mortal wound. With fweet confufion, fear, and love; The blufliing Beauty lay. And feem'd on Kdwy\ panting bread To figh her foul away. And while he gently footh'd her foul, " O ! would to God," die faid, *' That Edwy w'as of noble birth, " Or I fome lowly maid ! " O ! would to God this throbbing heart "Its gratitude could prove, " And fhow it values not the world " Compar'd with Edwfs love !" £ D W Y AND E D I L D A. yj^ J u ft as the words efcap'd her lips, From out a thicket by. The haughty Edbald fiercely ruflid With peril in his eye, '• Die, bafe-born flave!" he fcornful cry'd, " Who dar'ft exalt thine eyes " To what the monarchs of the earth " Might deem a noble prize !" Then at the Youth, furpris'd, unarm'd. His fpear he bafely pufli'd ; But mils'd his aim, while on his throat The nimble Edwy rulli'd. Quick with a ftrenuous griping hand He wrench'd the fpear away, Then fpurn'd him back, and at his feet The furious Edbald lay. And while with fcorn above his head He fhook the glittering fpear ; " Proud Lord,'* he cried, " my arm ere this " Has laid thee proftrate there. " Nay, as a voucher for the deed, " Behold this valued fword ! " So fhall not mine, like thine, appear " An empty vaunter's word." But now Edildas, piercing fhrieks Had echoed through the wood. And met her noble Father s ear, Who faft the founds purfu'd. ^6 E D W Y A N D E D I L D A. Fafl: he the thrilling founds purfu'd With anguiili in his breaft, For by her cries he knew the maid Full forely was didrels'd. But who can fpeak his vaft furprife, When groveling on the ground, Beneath a lowly goatherd's feet. The fierv Earl he found? Who can his wonder fpeak, when now, Beneath the rough difguife, The much-lov'd Edwfs well-known face Appears before his eyes ? To meet his fleps with timid look The bluihing Shepherd came ; Nor was that blufh the offspring bafe Of trembling guilt or fliame. For well he wote a heavy charge Earl Kdbald would prepare, With vengeance fiU'd, and jealous hate, To win the Warrior's ear. And who not kens that virtuous minds Awake to noble fame, Prize far before this fpark of life A bright and fpotlefs name ? But lo! before his lips could ope. His foe impatient cries ; " If Galvan cares for Edbalds love, " That fpecious villain dies. ED W Y AN D EDI L D A. 81 " And while my weary life you take, " From length of mifery, " Believe, my Lord, your bounteous hand '' Will only fet me free. " Yet this my outrag'd honour afl^s, " From noble Ofred's hand, " Let my good Lord, when I am dead, " A few fad lines demand. " Thofe few fad lines my pen alone " To Gahan\ eye addrefs'd, " And thofe, without difguife, will fliow " The purpofe of my bread." " Whateer thy guilt," the Noble cried, " Forbid it, gracious Heaven ! " This thanklefs hand fhould fpill his blood, "By whom my life was given. " Yet on thy peril from my court " For ever far remove ; " Nor let thy foul dare lift a thought " To fuch unequal love. " But griev'd is Galvan to pronounce, " That noble ESalcfs heart '' Mud now, by adverfe fate impcU'd, " From what it wifh'd depart. " Galvan nor doubts but Edbald'^ tongue " The thought within his breaft, " By outward circumftance mi fled, '' Sincerely hath exprefs'd. Y 82 E D W Y A N D E D I L D A. " But fmce EdiUds heart has floop'd " To prize a vaflal's vows ; " And nought but flight and bitter hate " On worthy love beftows ; " Let high-born Kdbald\ better thoughts " Her worthlefs beauties fcorn, " And quick to heal his wounded peace " To Egbert"^ court return." The haughty Earl no anfwer gave. With rage his bofom burn'd, With fullen fliame and vengeance, wdiile With Galvan he returnd. With noble Galvan he return'd, And with Ed'ilda fair, Silent and fad : and at the hail, When all alighted were. Each to a feveral chamber went, To ponder o'er alone The various chances which the peace Of each had overthrown. Yet not a heart in Galvan^ court But Edwy\ fortunes moum'd ; Nor was there one but griev'd to fee His haughty foe return'd. And much they pray'd fome ftroke of fate Might flill propitious prove, To crown the fweet Edi Ida's wdfh, And profper Edwfs love. EDWY AND EDILDA. PART IV. liUT Edwy^ who at Gahatis word Submiffive left the wood, Meantime to ancient Hildas farm The well-known path purfu'd. The well-known path his feet purfu'd ; Not fo his tortur'd mind, Whofe ever^^ thought intently dwelt On what was left behind. Ere long at Hilda s door he ftands ; And while his rough difguife, His haggard looks, and alter'd mien, Conceal 'd him from all eyes ; Of Hilda's Hind he humbly afks If that her dwelling were ; And feigns from Edwy to be charg'd With fomething for her ear. " If aught to Hilda thou would'ft fay, " It quickly muft be faid," The Hind return'd ; " for fhe will foon " Be number'd with the dead. 84 E D W Y AND E D I L D A. " Stmck fudden by the hand of death, '' She prays but to furvive '' Till gallant Edwy from the court " Of Galvan fhall arrive. " Nor is an hour elaps'd, or ere " A meffenger in hafte '* She fent, to beg his prefence here " Before fhe breath'd her laft." " Lead me, O lead me to her bed 1" The fecming goatherd cries ; While to conceal the burfting woe. He muffles up his eyes. To Hildas couch he led him ftraight. And at his earnefl: pray'r Before his errand was reveal'd Retir'd and left him there. Then while his flreaming eyes he flill With his fprcad hand did fhroud; And kneeling by the bed of death His anguilh fobb'd aloud : The dying Hilda turn'd her eye, And feeing him, did crave, With feeble voice, " What brought him there " And what with her he'd have ?" " O ! 'tis your Edwy^ your dear fon," He movingly replies, " Who in a heavy hour is come " To clofe a parent's eyes." EDWY AND EDILDA. Ss Then her cold hand, bedew 'd by death, He foftly, kindly preft ; Kifs'd her pale lips, and laid her head Gently upon his breaft. " Welcome, thou joy of Hildas foul ! " Thrice welcome art thou here ! " But w^herefore in a garb fo mean " Doth Edwy now appear ? " And wherefore have his haggard cheeks,'' She cried, " forgot their bloom ? " Ah ! why this fpe6lacle of woe " Doth Edwy hither come ?" " Let not my honour'd parent feek,'' The youth return'd, " to know " What to the pains of this fick couch " Would add a load of woe. " O ! rather be it Edwy's part " To catch her dying breath ; " And with his filial tendernefs " To fmooth the bed of death." " Ev'n as thou wait," fhe low reply 'd, " And w^ell it doth appear " Not to confume in fruitlefs talk " My little remnant here. " Since ere my ebbing life is gone, " Fain would I have it known " To Edwys heart, that Hi Ida ne'er " In Edwy had a fon. 86 EDWYANDEDILDA. " Nay, ftart not thus, nor break my tale, " But calmly hear the reft, " Which long in fecret hath repos'd "In Hildas cautious breaft. " Full twenty years are paft and gone " Since to the bloody fray " Ongar^ in aid of Egbert's arms, " From Hilda hied away. " Hied far away to Cornwall's coafts, '' What time the barb'rous Dane " Frighted her peace, and fertile fields " With native blood did ftain. "It happcn'd from thofe horrid fcenes, " As through a fhady wood, " Ongar to feek our lowly home " One morn his way purfu'd ; '• Within its moft fecluded paths, " A dying wretch he found, " Galh'd o'er with wounds, and in his gore " All welt'ring on the ground. '' Already did his pallid face, " Death's ghaftly femblance bear ; " And by a few con vul five ft arts " Life only glimmer'd there. " Yet, ah ! the moving fight to fee, " Clofe to his blood v breaft, *' Ev'n in the agonies of death, "His arms an infant preft. E D W V AND E D I L D A. " Shock'd at the fcene, my hufband hades " His fuccour to impart ; " And gently lifts the dying wretch, " And gently chafes his heart. " One little flafh of life returns: " He lifts his languid eyes, " And thus, with lab'ring catching breath, " In feeble accents cries : " Regard not me !—fave the dear child! ii por — niore he would have faid, " But life, exhaufted in th' attempt, " A paufe eternal made. " And let me hafte, while breath remains, " To clofe the piteous tale ; " Left death in everlafting bonds, " My tongue, like his, fhould feal. '• The lovely infant Ongar took " From its dead father's fide, " And tendful of his little charge, " To Hilda's dwelling hy'd. " Moft welcome he to Hilda's arms " With the fweet babe return'd ; " Who a dear infant's recent death " Inceftantly had mourn'd. " And while he told its early woes, " I wept, and to my breaft, " With all a mother's yearnings, clofe " The fmiling oiphan prefs'd. 88 EDWY AND EDILDA. " Ev^n from that hour my heart for thee, " A mother s fondeft love, *' Her tender fears, and anxious cares, *' Hath never ceas'd to prove. '* And from thy kind, thy virtuous heart, " Hath Hilda ever known "• All the obedience, love, and care, " Of the mod tender fon ! " But what thy haplefs father's name, " Or what his birth and ftate, " In vain to Edwy's longing ear '^ Would Hildas tongue relate. " Too foon again to Cornwall's coafts " Fell war my hufband bore, " And there my fofter infant's birth " He promis'd to explore. " But ah ! no more thefe eyes beheld, " No more thefe arms embraced " The man they lov'd ! in prime of life " Ordain'd to breathe his lafl. " Nor had my tongue from Edwy's ear " So long the tale conceal'd, "If aught to blefs, or footh his heart, " That tongue could have reveal'd. *' And yet perhaps thefe lips ere now '' Had told the piteous tale, *' And from unconfcious Edwys eyes '' Rcmov'd the fecret veil; EDWY AND EDILDA. " Had not I fondly fear'd thy love " For Hilda might decay ; " Or that thy fteps, to trace thy birth, " Might wander far away* " And oh 1 forgive, thou generous youth, "If doating Hilda s heart, " Her hufband loft, from all it lov'd, " In Edwy fear'd to part. " Yet though thy robe with clotted gore " And dirt was all befprent, " And had by fome uncourteous hand " Been quite afunder rent ; " This did the fubftance ftill declare, " That, nor of abje6t race, " Nor yet of fcanty pen'ry's ftock, " My darling Edwy was. " And round thy little wrift was bound " A curious braid of hair, " Which by a heart of precious ftone " Was firmly faftend there, " But when too big for fuch a band, " Thy growing wrift became, " I fafe preferv'd this only pledge " Of Edwy's birth or name. " O ! may it prove in Edzvys hand " A great aufpicious light, " To chafe away the envious cloud ^' That hangs before his fight ! A a ^0 EDWYANDEDILDA. " O ! may the gracious Pow'r above " Dire6l his goings llill, <' Lead him to every earthly good, " And keep him far from ill!" She could no more ; for Death's cold damps Upon her forehead hung, Within her filmy eye he glar'd, And mutter'd on her tongue. Yet ftill upon her Edwy\ face, While any fenfe remain'd, She fondly gaz'd ; and ftill his hand With chilly grafp retain'd. Still did his tears and foothings foft The pangs of death beguile ; And as he pour'd his grateful thanks For all her cares, a fmile Through the dread fliadowings of death Once more did faintly break ; And when the flruggling fpirit fled,' Yet loiter d on her cheek. To her remains the grateful youth The lad fad duties paid, And water'd with his tears the turf That o'er her corfe was laid: Then from the fcenes of former peace, Dctermin'd far to ftray, And in fome deep fequefter'd fhade Weep all his life away. EDWY AND EDILDA. 91 " What has an outcaft like myfclf," He cried, " to do wath men, " Whofe int'refts and connexions make " This world a cheerful fcene ? " But Edwy from the ties of blood " Cut off for ever here, '• To interefl: dead, a fmgle wretch ''• Mud on the earth appear. *' No dear connexions, tender ties, " In life he e'er can have ; " And from his woes can only reft " Within the filent grave. " Then let the wretched orphan hafte, " To hide his abje6l head ; " Loft and forgotten by the world " In fome fecluded fhade! " Yet ftill amidft retirement's gloom, " For fvv^eet Edildas peace " This tongue fhall pray, and aflc from Hcav'n " No blefting but her blifs. " And like a radiant angel ftill " Her image fliall appear, " Tinted by love's own hand, to charm " The horrors of defpair." With foft laments, and yearnings fond, Thus Edwy onward paft ; And many a long and weary mile With wand'ring footfteps trac'd; 5-2 EDWY AND EDILDA. Throughout the day his journey ilill By private paths purfu'd ; And laid his weary limbs at night Within feme gloomy wood. His weary limbs at reft he laid ; But rarely to his heart, Awake w'ith woe, could balmy deep His needful aid impart. Three tedious days and watchful nights The haplefs Edwy fped ; Yet kenn'd not the defir'd retreat Wherein to hide his head. The fourth his feet a foreft trod What time the fhades of night, Juft fall'n, were fweetly awful made By Luna's fober light. Within the deep and ancient fhade As flow he onward wends, The filver regent journeying bright, A gleam to guide him fends. And through the branches, as by breaks. Her rays ferenely fliine. To the majeftic wood they give Solemnity divine ! All Nature feem'd in filence hufh'd, Save where the plaintive fong Of Philomel^ to hail the moon, Was heard the woods among. EDWYANDEI>ILI>A. 93 The mournful lay, as on he pad, Sunk deep in Edwy\ foul ; And for a moment from his griefs His rapt attention dole. But quickly with redoubled force His bitter forrows flow : '• Ah ! fancy not," he cried, " thy fong " Pre-eminent in woe ! " If Edwy% notes to EdwyW\^2Cs:\. " Their accents but incline; " Thou'lt own, fweet bird, thy pkiintive tale " A jocund flrain to mine," He faid ; and fitting on a ftone, So fad, fo fweet, did play, - That Philomela, chami'd to hear, Forgot her humbler lay. As Orpheus fabled was of old, The tufted groves among, To fit and charm the filent (hades With his melodious fong; So Edwy breath'd his melting tones On the dill ear of night ; Whofe calmncfs wafted through the wood Each note, with ftrange delight ! Till fo refponfive to his woe He touch'd the mournful lay. That melting on his own fad drain, His fpirits dy'd away. B b 54 £D\VY AND EDILDA. From his faint hand the tuneful pipe Infenfibly did part, While heavy languor clos'd his eyes, And ficken'd round his heart. Nor came the tranced fpirits back. Till gentle on his bread. A hand he felt, while thus a voice Benign his ear addrefs'd : " If fenfe be with the life returned, " That beats within thy heart, " Look up, fad youth, and to a friend " Thy miferies impart. " For well this bofom is attun'd " To forrow's plaintive tone ; " And how to footh another's woe " Is tutor 'd by its own." He faid, and figlVd. The tender words Touch'd Edwy's inmoft foul; While wonder at the ftrange addrcfs. And awe, his mind control. As to fome haplefs wretch new wak'd, Ev'n yet the pleafmg dream, Juft fled, he knows not, or as truth Or fiction to efleem ; So Edwys fenfes fcarce return'd, Confefs'd a fecret fear. Left the fweet founds were fancy all That feem'd to greet his ear. E D W Y AND E D I L D A. 95 But doubt a certainty became, And rev'rencc and furprife His bofom fill, as lifting now His newly open'd eyes, By the pale moon's foft dreaming light, That quiver'd through the wood, A holy Hermit at his fide The love-lorn Shepherd view'd. A fable mantle flowing large, The reverend figure clad, On which his long and filver beard With every motion play'd. As fome bright meteor graceful hangs Upon the veil of night. So flow'd the waving ringlets down With fulled honours disfht. o Nor were the honours of his head Inferior yet, I ween, Whofe plenteous locks full many a day Had, by their whitenefs, feen. A fpirit in his fpeaking eye Chaften'd by forrow fat ; And human kindnefs, fenfe, and truth, Right fairly fhow'd thereat. His fhape and height were of the beft, And in his graceful mien A reference fair to better days, And happier hours, was feen. 96 EDWYANDEDILDA. A dignity devoid of pride Sat full upon his brow ; And, fpite of time, his comely age A lovely youth did fhow. Yet comelier had his years appear'd, And on his reverend face The furrows lefs, had pining grief Not deepened age's trace. His eye, with mingled awe and love. Admiring Edwy hung Upon the Sage, while mildly thus Rejoin'd his graceful tongue: " Whence art thou come, thou youth forlorn, " Who this fequefler'd fhade, " At night's ftill hour, haft with thy pipe "So fweetly vocal made ? " But thou art faint, thy fpirits much " By wearinefs opprefs'd, " And bitter woe, require the aid " Of food and balmy reft. " To Hermans cave thy feeble fteps *' His foftering arm fliall lead; " And there thy wearied limbs fhall reft " Upon his humble bed. " He doubts not but his tender care " Sweet folace may impart ; " Nor yet defpairs, M'ith counfel fweet " To cafe thy lab'ring heart. EDWY AND EDILDA. 97 " For fure the verieft wretch mufh find " Some fymptoms of relief, ^' To own a friend who knows to feel, " And loves to fhare his grief* " Too well thy eye and haggard cheek " Confefs corroding care ; " And yet believe, his keener touch " Thefe deep- worn furrows bear." '' Ah, no !" the fighing youth return'd With warmth, " there cannot be «' Throughout the earth a wretch involv'd " In deeper woe than me. " Yet, honour'd Sage, if aught on earth " Can foften Edzvys grief, <• From thy fweet counfel he may hope " To gather fome relief. " Thy generous kindnefs he accepts ; " And Herman ne'er fliall find " That generous kindnefs thrown away " Upon a thanklefs mind. '' Yet what have I but pray'rs, and love, " And gratitude, to give ? '• And what befides would Herman deign '-' From Edwy to receive ? '' Nor fhall the fortunes of my life " Be hidden from thine ear, '• If I have pow'r to tell the tale, ^' And patience thou to hear." . c c ^8 EDWYANDEDILDA. He fald : the while to Hermann cave Their focial fteps were bent ; And itill on his fupporting arm The feeble Kdwy leant. And ftiil the Sage, with foothing words, Spoke comfort to his heart ; Still to revive his drooping fprite. Exerted every art. Not long their friendly fteps had trod The mazes of the wood, Or e'er, by Luna's trembling light, The welcome cave they viewed. Deep in a private dale that funk The towering woods between, Scoop 'd from a high and craggy clifP, The lone abode was feen. Nor yet unlovely was the rock, Whofe rugged fides were made Gracefully gloomy, by a foft Variety of fhade. From out its clefts the berried alh. And flow'ring hawthorn grew ; And there the trembling poplar's fhade Mix'd with the mournful yew. And as their branches interwove, Now here, now there, was feen A moffy crag, that thruft its point The motley fhade between. EDWYANDEDILDA. 99 Full in the bofom of the rock A cryftal riv'let fprung, And dafhing down from clift to clift Its white foam fcattering flung. By breaks the branches bow'ring o'er, Conceal'd it from the eye, Except that through the leaves, by peeps, Its glimmerings one might fpy. The whole a fhade more copious crown'd, And proudly o'er the reft An aged oak, with branches wild, ,1 Exalted high its creft. A gloomy yew of ancient date That ftood before the cave, With ample honours to the fcene An added beauty gave. Around its trunk a ruftic feat Above the turf was rear'd; And at its foot the murm'ring brook With fhining face appeard. The flielvings of the fecret dale With wood of various green Were cover 'd thick, fave where a rock, Or Ranting field, was feen. Yet narrow were the fields I trow, And little had to fpare For the w^hite fheep that o'er their face Sparingly fprinkled were. 100 EDWY AND EDILDA. Upon the heights the lofty wood With gloomy honours wav'd ; And flill from every nipping blaft The fhelter'd valley fav'd, Charm'd with the calm romantic fcene, Which yet more pleafmg fhow'd As Luna filver'd all the dale, While riding o'er the wood; The Youth exclaim'd, " How pleas'd could I, " Within this private dale, " With honour 'd Hermann converfe fweet, " And meditation, dwell !" *' And \\QXQ. fhall dwell," the Sage reply 'd, ^' If fo thy foul incline ; " And here well pleas'd ^'^^^ Herman be " To mix his tears with thine : " Well pleas'd will be, thou gentle youth, " To lift en to thy lays ; " And court thy hand to clofe his eyes " When death fhall end his days. " For kindred Edwy's forrows feem, " Kindred his foul to mine; " And through his griefs the genuine fparks " Of heav'n-born virtue fhine. " Here, firm united by the bands " Of friendfhip, we will dwell ; " And think with fcorn upon a world " Fond mortals love fo well. E D W Y A N D E D I L D A. loi " Nor Vice, nor pride, nor difcontcnt, " Shall in this cell appear; " But peace, and piety, and love, " Shall fweetly flourifh here. *• Then enter in, a welcome guell; ; " And while thy lips difclofe " Thy fad mifhaps, my heart fhall feel,, " And, feeling, footh thy woes." He faid ; and enter'd with the youth, Whofe weary drooping head His hands benevolent repos'd Upon the mofly bed. And now with milk, and various fruits, The table he prepares ; And Edwy's deep-deje6led mind With wholefome nurture cheers. His (Irength recruited, foon the youth Begins his tale of woe ; And fhows, impartial, every caufe, From whence his forrow^s flo^\^ Sincerely fhows his inmoft hearty The while upon his tongue. The Sage with tender fympathy, And deep attention, hung. But when to Hildas bed of death, He brings the mournful tale ; While he relates her dying fpeech, The Sage's cheek grows pale. lo* EDWY AND E D I L D A. Paler and paler now it grows ; The while his hea\'i4ig breaft, His trembling lip, and eager eye, The lab'ring foul confeft. The youth with dread obferv'd the change. And made a fudden paufe ; Then tenderly of Herman''^ ill Inquires the latent caufe. " Afl^ not," he cries, " what roufes thus " A temped in my breafl ; " Purfue thy tale, my bofom throbs, " Nay burns, to know the reft !" Amaz d ! the youth his tale purfu'd ; But when, to prove his birth, He nam'd the bracelet, as his pledge, His only pledge on earth ; " Show me that pledge !" the Sage cxclaim'd 1 And when the pledge was fhown, Upon his neck he fell, and cry'd, " Thou art ! thou art my fon !" "How! whence! where!" — wild^ the youth " Sure it can never be, [exclaims, " That haplefs Edwy fhould pofTefs " A father fuch as thee \" Yet while he doubted, trembled, wept. The Hermit he carefs'd ; Who clafp'd him clofe in fpeechlefs joy Unto his aged breaft. EDAVY AND E D I L D A. 103 " O ! doubt it not, dear youth," he ciy'd, " Thou art indeed mv Son ; " Nor yet a Father, fuch as me, " Shall Edwy blufh to own." Then more compos'd he fat, and wip'd The rapturous tears that fell; While thus to the aftonifli'd youth His lips began their tale : '' Well may'ft thou wonder," dearefl youth, " At what a Father fpoke, " When too intemp'rate from his lips, " The heat- felt tranfports broke. " But who, inur'd to long diftrefs, " And long from hope confin'd, " Can feel the fudden bur ft of joy, " And curb his ftruggling mind ? " Yet long as forro^v^ on my foul " Its bitternefs hath prefs'd^ " My greateft joy will be to chafe " Affli6lion from thy breaft. " Nay, weep not thus, nor look aghaft, " For forrow now is o'er; '' But liften while my lips unfold " A thoufand joys in ftore: *' A thoufand joys, which all a dream "Had feem'd the hour foregone : '' But which th)^ panting heart Ihall foon " Sincere and poignant own. 104 EDWY AND E D I L D A. " Know then, thou comfort of my foul, " That Galvan\ felf to thee, " In point of wealth, muft yield the palm, " And noble anceftiy. '' Tho' chang'd my name, yet know^ thy birth ' From far-fam'd Ofwald fprung ; ' Whofe great defcent, and pow'r as great, " Was heard from every tongue. " Superior yet thy birth appears " Upon thy Mothers fide, " Who near to Brithrics royal blood, " And Egbert's^ was ally'd. " But what avail'd my 7hyras blood ! " And what her virtues all ! *' Ordain'd by barb'rous ruffians hands, "In beauty's bloom to fall ! "*' Yet dill her well-remember'd charms " Upon my Edwys face, " And ftill her manners fweet in thine, " A father's eye can trace. ■" Nine years a heav'n within her arms, " Did happy Ofwald prove ; " And five fweet infants did fhe bring " As pledges of his love. " But at one deadly fweep, the lofs " Of all, thy father mourn'd ; " Though now in fuch a fon as thee, " They all appear return 'd. £ D W Y A N D E D I L D A. loj " A caftle fair on Devor/s edge, " Thy father lov'd full well ; " And there, withdrawn from bufier fcencs, " At times, was wont to dwell. " Thither my lovely Wife retir'd, " What time, full many a Dane, " Invading Cornwall's further fide, " By Egbert's arms were (lain. " Thefe robbers quell'd, I eager fought " The fcenes of former peace ; " Sought the fair meed of all my toils " In fweet domeftic blifs. '' But ah ! too foon the heart of man, " To confidence a prey, " At fortune's firft delufive fmile, " Cads prudent care away. " Thus Ofwald feaiiefsly repos'd " Upon his Thyrds breaft, " Nor dreamt of any rifmg ftorm " To ruffle his calm reft. *' One night awak'd from balmy fleep " Within her faithful arms, " A horrid clamour inftant fill'd " My heart with ft range alarms. " Ruffling from off my downy couch, '' Quick to the hall I paft, '^ Where trufty Algar met my fteps, " With wild diforder'd hafte. E e icG EDWY AND EDILDA. ''His arm my little OJbert bore ; " And as my way he croft, ' Fly quick ! my Lord,' he trembling cry'd, ' Fly quick ! or all is loft ! ' The cruel Danes impetuous rufti ' Upon thy guardian train ; ' And ere I ran to fave thy fon, ' But few were left unflain. ' The remnant doubtlefs of that force, ' Which late in Cornwall's field, ' The royal Egbert'^ gallant troops ' So bravely met and quell'd. ' Thence flying, they've furpris'd thy train ' Beneath the malk of night : * But urge thy fpeed ! A moment hence ' May be too late for flight.' '' He fpake, and vanifli'd from my eyes : — " Fell anguifli rent my breaft ; '' Yet to my Thyra back with fpeed " My eager footfteps preft ; " Refolv'd on danger's utmoft brink, " Whatever might betide, " To fave her life, or lofe my own, " With honour, by her fide. " But ah ! before my fteps return'd, " The clamour caught her ear; *' And by a different way, too foon ! " She fled, o'erwhelm'd with fear. EDWY AND EDILDA. 107 " Diftra6lcd I return once more " Unto the empty hall, " And there, witli horror compafs'd round, " Aloud for fuccour call ! " Nor call in vain, though mofl had fall'n " To iilent death a prey ; " A few rcmain'd who heard my voice, " And hurried me away. " But not to where the bloody Danes, " Through the long galleries pour; " To flop the flood, or meet his death, " Their flruggling Lord they bore. " In vain I threaten'd, rav'd, and pray'd ; " Swift from the defp'rate fight " They bore me with a cruel care, " Beneath the gloom of night. " And oft, in vain ! I anxious afk, '' If aught of I'hyra's fate, " Or of my children's, to my ear " Their knowledge can relate ? " At lad, when far from fcenes of death '' In fafety I was plac d, '' Seeing the horrors of fufpenfe, " My fpirits widely wafte ; " They tell, with many a heavy groan, " That all my daughters fair, " And lovely Thyra^ by the Danes " Mod bafely butcher'd were. loS EDWYANDEDILDA. " But dill of little OJbert\ fate '' No knowledge was obtain'd; " And ftill to footh my deep diftrefs, " One ray of light remain'd. " Yet, 'midfl: my anguifh, great revenge *' Within my bofom rofe; " And Ofioald fwore he would avenge " His own, and Cornwall's woes, " Soon at my wifli a gallant troop " Of w^arriors gather'd round ; " And foon thofe fpoilers of my peace, " The cruel Danes, we found. " Upon their force my warriors rufh'd " Impetuous as a flood ; " And Ofooald's wrongs were deep repaid " In their inhuman blood. " But ftill affli6lion pierc'd my foul ; " And, like the ftricken deer, " Where'er I turn'd, the deadly fhaft " Did in my bofom bear. " At length, to fum up all my woes, " While through this ancient wood, *' Some flvulking Danes efcap'd from fight, " My valiant train purfu'd; '' Far in the fhade their eager feet " The faithful Ahar found " Stiif in his blood, a ghaflly fight ! " And gafh'd with many a wound. £D\VY AND EDILDA. 109 " In his clench'd hand a remnant dill, " Though all with gore deft I'd, " He grafp'd, of the remcmbcr'd robe " That clad my darling child. " But vainly had their faithful feet " Explor d the utmoft round " Of the vaft wood, no further trace " Of Ojhert could be found. " The heavy tidings to my ear " Reluftantly they tell ; " And with thofe tidings, from my bread *' Each gleam of hope repel. " For who could doubt my haplefs child " Kill'd by the favage Dane, " Though his dear relics, through the wood^ " Their care had fought in vain ? " Sick of the world, where all my peace " Was at one fatal blow " Dafh'd quite away, and nothing left " But unremitting woe ; " For ever from the haunts of men, " My foul refolv'd to dray ; " And lod in folitude's deep gloom, " Weep weary life away. " Yet think not 'midd my bitt'red pangs " One doubt within my bread, '• One impious murmur, boldly rofc " To combat Heav'n's behed. F f no EDWY AND E D I L D A. " I knew the wifdom of my God, " His mercy knew as well; '• And judg'd, to roufe me from my fins, " This weight of forrow fell. " And well religion's lore had taught, " Not in a world like this '^^ The heart of man fliould fondly reft " Its hope of lafting blifs, '• Submiffive, patient, and refignd, " I therefore kifs'd the rod ; " And by a deep repentance fought " To reconcile my God. " Unto my noble brother now " A meflenger I fent, " And only to his faithful ear " Difclos'd my fix'd intent. '" In vain his love and friendftiip ftrove " To footh my tortur d heart ; "In vain, from a refolve fo ft range, " Intreated me to part. " My vaft eft ate, and honours fair, " I trufted to his hand ; " And only crav'd fuch fmall fupplies " As nature fhould demand. " Then privately with him I fought, " In this deep foreft's fhade, " A fecret place, wherein to lay *' With folitude my head. E D W Y AND E D I L D A. 1 1 1 " For here I ween'd, in thy dear blood " Was fcal'd my deep defpah'; " And therefore dealing from the world, " Defir'd to languifh here. " Lo ! to my wifh, funk far in gloom, " We found this calm retreat, " Which every thing confpir'd to make " For woe a dwelling meet. *' Full twenty years are paft and gone, " Since firfl his forrows made *' Thy wretched father's heavy heart " Acquainted with this fliade. " Loft to the world, full twenty years " In folitude Fve fpent, '' Save that at times thy uncle's fteps " Have hitherward been bent. "■' By him in fecret ftill fupply'd " My little ftores have been, " His hand the fcatter'd flock beftow'd, " That feed the copfe between. *' And ftill his loving lips have ftrovc, " Yet ftiU have ftrove in vain, " To win me from this lonely cave, " Unto the world again. " How little did I ween that world " So hated, e'er would be ^' Again an interefting fcene, " And full of joys for me ! 112 EDWY AND EDILDA. • " But far above our mortal ken " Is Heav'n s almighty pow'r ; " And ours is only to fubmit, " To feel, and to adore. " It chanc'd as at the fall of nighfe " Attentively I flood, " Obfervant of the filver moon " That glimmer 'd through the wood : " Juft at my feet fhe brightly glancd " With clear unufual light, " And fomething, fudden, caught her rays, " And fparkled to my fight. " I curious (loop'd to learn the caufe ; " But what was my furprife, " When this well-noted pledge of love " Appear'd before my eyes ? " When thy dear mother, to my willi, " Produc'd a lovelv fon, " T' inherit Ofaaid's honours, wealth, " And blood of high renown ; '• O'erjoy'd, to deck each little wrift " A curious braid of hair " Her fingers wove, which ruby hearts '* Both crown'd and faflen'd there. ''One bracelet from her flaxen locks " Like gloffy filk did fhine ; " The other braid her partial hand " Would needs collet! from mine* EDWY AND EDILDA. 113 " Upon the back of each bright heart " Thefe words engra\'en were, '' In myllic charafters ; fond Love " And yoy have fix d me here, " The well-remembcr'd pledge of love " Unto my lips I preft ; " The while a thoufand tender thoughts «' O'erwhelm'd my throbbing bread. " Afrefh I wept my Thyra\ fate ; " Afrefh I wept thy own; " And on the ground, with new defpair, " Dillraded threw me down. " But foon thy notes, fo ftrangely fweet 1 " So mournful ! caught my ear, " That from afflidion's felf they ftole " A wiih to hufh and hear. " And as I hark'd, I long'd to know " What mortal 'midft this fhade, *' Its deep and unfrequented gloom " So fweetly vocal made. " Thou know'ft the reft; for while I ftole '' With filence to the found, '' It ceas'd ; and foon I faw thee ftretclrd " In fwoonings on the ground : " Too happy that my feeble hand " Afliftance could impart, ••' And bring my Edwy back to life, " To blefs his woeful heart. 114 E D W y AND E D I L D A. " And fure this memorable night " My fteps were led by Heav'n; " This bracelet furely as a pledge *' Of coming joy was given. " By this the anfwering pledge of love " More perfeftly was known ; " By this thy father was prepar'd " To meet and know his fon. " Nor haughty Edbald^ proudly, now " His honours fhall compare, " His large poflefTions, pow'r, or birth, " With OfwaWs greater heir. " For dill the flow'r of Egherfs court, '' The kingdom Ofwald deem'd ; " And Ofwald dill above his peers " By Egbert was efteem'd " The lov'd companion of his youth, " And fharcr of his fate, '' What time in foreign climes he dwelt " From jealous Brithrics hate. " And noble Galvan well I know, " And often he has fwore, '^ That Ofooaid's friendfhip he efteem'd " All friendfhip far before. " But now 'tis meet thy weary limbs " Were fteep'd in balmy reft ; '' And needful is the loft repofe '• That long has left thy breaft. EDWY AND EDILDA. 1 15 " To-morrow with the rifmg fun " Straight to my Brother's court, " With new-born hope, and peace, and joy, " Tos^ether we'll refort. " From thence to noble Ga Ivan's hall " A meflenger with fpeed " Will Ofwald fend, that he may learn " What fortune has decreed : " What fav'ring Heav'n has rather done " To blefs a virtuous pair, " Ordaining who fo lowly feem'd, " A powerful noble's heir, " Nor fhall thy heart from her it loves " A longer feafon wait, " Than Ofwald' s heir can be prepar'd " To go with fitting (late. '' Beneath the refl at Ga Ivans court " Thou hitherto haft been j " But now exalted o'er them all " My Edwy fliall be feen. " By that dear name thy father ft ill " His long-loft fon muft call, '* Since under that dear name he came '' To end his bitter thrall." The reverend Noble ended here: But who the joy can tell With which the youth's enraptur'd foul Did on each accent dwell ? ii6 EDWY AND EDILDA. Who the ftrong extafies can paint That in his bofom glow'd ? Who the warm tide that from his lips Of love and duty flow'd ? In vain his father's tender care Had hop'd the balmy reft ; A thoufand tranfports drove it far From Edwjis panting breaft. And oft he queftion'd his fond heart, And often felt a fear, Left all illufion was the blifs That newly buftled there. And oft he wifh'd to urge the hours, Oft figh'd for mom's return, Impatient that Kdilda\ heart His altered ftate might learn. Yet fometimes heav'd a fecret figh. Left Ga Ivan's ftern command, Or foft'ning tears, her heart had bow'd To haughty Edbalds hand. END OF THE FOURTH PART. EDWY AND EDILDA. PART V. But fweet the cares which love had blent With joy, in Edwy's bread ; Far other than the deadly pangs That broke Edilda's reft. Within her gentle bofom, hope Withdrew her genial ray ; And forrow fat triumphant there, And frown'd the fmiles away. Yet ftill amidft her deep diftrefs, Her felf-approving thought, To ward the horrors of defpair, Its lenient foothings brought. And though (he ween'd her haplefs heart With hopelefs mifery ftrove ; Still virtue rofe with every pant, Though every pant w^as love. Nor was her tender, generous heart, In noble Galvan's court, Of fickle fortune, love, and grief, Alone the wretched fport. H h ii8 EDWY AND EDILDA. Within the haughty Kdbald\ bread A temped fiercely burn'd; And every motion of his mind To wild didra6lion turn'd. There mad'ning jealoufy and pride Still baffled all control ; Whild love affianc'd to defpair, Shook, fearfully, his foul. Full oft in bitternefs of heart, He curs'd the fatal night, When fird Edildds matchlefs charms Beam'd, dazzling, to his fight. And oft the lovely maid he curd, And curd her noble Sire, For fanning in his kindling bread Love's fafcinating fire. But curd his virtuous Rival mod, And, fill'd with fury, fwore, That dreadful vengeance on his head, Relentlefs, he would pour. Nay, madly ween'd, that when in dud The blooming youth was laid, Love might await the bloody hand That mix'd him with the dead. Nor did his dark fufpicious foul Believe Edildds heart, Spite of her vows, from what it lov'd So eafily would part. EDWY AND EDILDA. 119 The favour d Edwy dill he dccm'd Was lurking in the wood ; And there to glut his vengeance thought In his detelled blood. Four defp'rate ruffians he prepar'd, Ere the third day was paft ; And bafely hop'd the fourth lliould prove His hated Rival's laft. Attended by his bloody band, Sweet pity caft away, He fought with execrable fpeed, The wood, at dawn of day. Deluded there, he raging fearch'd Each humble cottage round ; And what was Hilda ^ farm, at lad With cruel tranfport found : For there he doubted not his foul Its bloody will fliould have; And fwore, an aged mother's arms The vi6lim fhould not fave : Yet equal confli6l bafely fear d, And to the ruffian's knife, Within his heart ignobly doom'd The blamelefs Edwys life. But Heav'n had otherwife dcfign'd; And jealoufy and rage. With difappointment in his brcaft, A mortal conteft wage. 120 EDWY AND E D I L D A. When feeking Edwy from the hinds. Of Hilda s death he heard ; And that her fon the morning pafl;, Had fudden difappeard: As fome gaunt wolf, fecure of prey, O erleaps the neighb'ring field, But empty finds the fence that late The fleecy flock had held, So Edhald finds his prey efcap'd, And fo with tenfold rage His bofom burns, nor aught but blood His fury can afluage. Madly he roams the country round ; But roams and raves in vain ; No tidings of the hated youth His keeneft fearch can gain. Wearied at length with fruitlefs toil, His gloomy face he turn'd To Galvan's tow'rs; from whence, I ween. Not one his abfence mourn'd, But fcarcely in the ample hall His fuUen Heps appear, Ere difappointment hades afrefh To front and dafli him there. For loathing flill the vows he urg d Her favour to obtain, The fweet Edilda fought to fliun What fcorn repuls'd in vain. EiDWY AND EDILDA. 121 Some five fhort miles from Galvans court, Hard by a lofty wood, Of mickle note, and mickle ftate, A ponderous abbey flood. The abbot Aldric rul'd within, Great Galvans uncle's fon ; For wifdom, holinefs, and pow'r, Throughout the kingdom known. Oft from his lips the lovely maid Had drawn inftiiiftion kind ; And much he lov'd her generous heart. And much her docile mind. And oft he vow'd, when gentle peace A fan6luary fair Made her foft breaft, in happier days, From forrovv^, pain, and care ; That if the fmiles of fortune fled. The honour'd maid fhould meet, Within his abbey's hallow'd walls, A calm and fafe retreat. To feek this fhelter, when the morn Her blufhing radiance threw From hill-top high, and the lad fhades Of cowring night withdrew ; The fweet Edilda filent flole From Galvan% portals fair ; And long ere mid-day's fultry gleam Was lodg'd fecurely there. I i 122 EDWY AND EDILDA, Soon to the holy j4ldric\ ear The maid difclos'd her thought; And fhow'd the caufe why thus by Health The abbey's gloom fhe fought. And much her virtue he admir'd, Her fpirit much approv'd j In flying the proud man fhe loath'd, And quitting him fhe lov'd. Then warmly vow^d that Kdbald\ powV, Nor Galvari's ftern command, Should aught avail, to force the maid From his prote6ling hand. But mickle w^ell the fair-one judg'd, Her Father's fecret mind To favour haughty Edbald's love No longer was inclin'd. For well fhe kenn'd that Noble's pride. And paffions unfubdu'd, His jealous rage, and fhamelefs third Of virtuous Edwy's blood, Had from her father's generous breafl Repell'd the wifh, to prove An union fprung of bitter hate. And rough indignant love. A letter now to meet his eye, The lovely maid prepares, Which quickly to the Baron's hand A trufly fervant bears. EDWY AND EDILDA. 123 Thefe were the lines : — " From EdhaU's love " Refolv'd, at length, to fly, " Let not the a6l too heinous feem " In a dear Father's eye. " Nor let him judge Edildas thought " Unduteous e'er will prove, " Becaufe (he fhuns the haughty Lord, " Her heart could never love. " And what but deep, yet vain remorfe, " What, but unceafmg woe, " From vows conftrain'd, could her fad heart, " Or noble Ga Ivans know ? " Nor has a tender Sire forgot " His oft-repeated vow, " That at the altar's foot his child " A vidim ne'er fhould bow. " And well fhe knows his generous foul, " Since Edbald\ jealous heart " Prompted his tongue and hand to a6l " So mean, fo bafe a part ; '' Has never wifh'd Edildas hand " The facrifice fhould be, " Of pomp and pow'r, which could but glois " The face of mifery. " Then let my Lord to Edbald's car " His daughter s purpofe fpeak ; " And fay, in vain his will would flrivc *' Her fiiTn refolve to break. ,2^ EDWY AND EDILDA. " Never from holy Aldric'^ walls " Eclilcia's feet fhall ftray, " Till the proud Earl from Galvans court " For ever turn away. " Then let him quick a fenfe of fhame " And fenfe of honour prove ; '' Nor hang, a baleful cloud, between " Her and a Father's love. " How bled the day when once again, " On that dear Father's breaft, " His child may fondly lean her head, " And lull his cares to reft 1" Nor was the noble maid deceived ; Nor was her Father's mind, To favour haughty Edbald\ fuit, Still, as of late, inclin'd. Nor did her flight difpleafure move. Nor letter give ofFence ; Since to difmifs whom now he fconi'd, They offer'd fair pretence. Full well he read the paftions foul That rul'd in Edbald\ heart ; And knew his foul had lately own'd A much unworthy part. For gentle Edwys candid lines Had amply to his breaft The Youth*s tranfcendent honour, worth. And gratitude exprefs'd. EDWY AND EDI L DA. rzj And while his cheek with tranfpoit glow'd, His heart in fecret fwore, It valued Edwys noble mind Each Noble far before. And vow'd withal, the generous Youth With joy, its love fhould own, Were but his birth one (tep above An abje6l vafTal's fon. Alas ! that pride in noble minds Should bear fo large a part. And counteract the generous wifh And temper of the heart! But outward circumftance, alas 1 Hath power to witch the eye. With whom the touch of frailty lead Bewrays humanity. Yet much the aged Warrior wail'd The unpropitious love, That from his court, to want and woe. The gallant Shepherd drove. And more lamented that his tongue, By pafTion overborn, Difmifs'd whom mod his foul approv'd, With fliow of pride and fcorn. Nor yet in private did he fail To feek the gentle Youth, With fair rewards, and blefTmgs fair. For all his love and truth. K k 126 EDWYANDEDILDA. And of his own ungrateful heart Did bitterly complain, When the preferver of himfelf And child was fought in vain. For ftill its own fevered judge, The generous mind appears ; And when it errs, againfh itfelf A dread tribunal rears. To Edbald now her noble Sire Ed'ildds flight reveals j Nor from his heart her purpofe hides. Nor from his eye conceals. But while her fcornful lines he fcann d. The palTion who could fpeak That flafh'd within his rolling eye, And burnt upon his cheek ? " 'T is well ! proud maid, 'tis well !" he cry'd, '^ And Edbald (hall return " Thy wretched fcorn, and foolifh pride, " With added pride and fcorn ! *' Too highly honour'd ! wayward fair, " Thy heart has been by me, " Which to a vaflal vile could (loop " From all its dignity. " Within thy paramours bafe arms " Thy bafe defires enjoy ; " Nor tremble, left my envious love " Thy pleafures fhould annoy." EDWY AND EDILDA. 127 " Now, nay, Lord Edbald^' — Galvan cry'd, And kindled as he faid, " Let not thy candour, honour, truth, " By pafTion be betray 'd. " Nor hangs the mildew of reproach '' Upon my Daughter's fame,; " Nor has the tongue of flander's felf " Dar'd fully her bright name. " Nor canfl thou, Lord, of her deceit, " Nor of my own complain ; " Thou know'ft I wifli'd thy vows fuccefs, " And faw them fcorn'd with pain. " And well thou know 'ft thy tender cares " Were all too weak to move, " Within EdiUds adverfe heart, " The leaft return of love. " Could Edbald's vows have won her heart, " Thofe vows had won her hand ; " But the refiftlefs fate of love " What mortal can command ? " Yet think not fo unworthy her, " Nor yet fo bafe of me, " As once to ween our fouls can ftoop " To one of low degree. " Nor pitilefs arraign the Youth, " On whofe ill-fated head " A hopelefs paftion all its weight " Of mifery hath flied. 128 EDWY AND EDILDA. " Though gratitude this truth demands, " That had a noble birth " His merits grac'd, the Youth had flood " Unrivall'd through the earth." " Curfe on the fpecious villain's art 1" The haughty Lord reply 'd ; " And vain would Galvans glofmg tongue " His fecret purpofe hide. " Yes, abje8: Lord! thy Daughter give " To this tranfcendent Youth, " This pattern of intrinfic worth, " Of tendernefs and truth. *' But yet of noble Edbald'^ foul " So little haft thou known, " To think it tamely will give place " To a vile vaflal's fon? " No ! though I fcorn the worthlefs maid " Whom late my foul ador'd ; " Though thy alliance much I fcorn, " Low-minded, doting Lord ! " My outrag'd honour ne'er fhall reft, " Till in the vital blood " Of him I loath, this vengeful hand, " I fwear, be deep imbru'd !" He fiercely faid ; and furious rufh'd From out the ample hall ; Whilft much the generous Ga Ivans heart His treat'nings did appal. EDWY AND EDILDA. m Not for himfelf the Noble fear'd, For he ne'er (loop'd to fear; But for the welfare of thofe friends That to his foul were dear. But plain he kenn'd the dark revenge That lowr'd in Edbald\ breaft ; And knew his hand would joy to acl The deed his tongue exprefs'd. What, though he ween'd the gentle Youth For ever paft away ; He lov'd him ftill, and wifh'd him far From Edbald's wrath to ftray. Mean time, with anger in his eye, And vengeance in his heart, The haughty Earl from Gahan^s court Indignant did depart. To Erpwald's caflle now with fpeed His furious fteps advance; From which they loiter 'd had fo long. Withheld by wayward chance. Myfterious Pow'r 1 whofe mighty will Can in one hour deftroy The flru6lure fair on which we reft Our every hope of joy : Yet o'er the foul where virtue dwells, Thy reign is fhort, I truft ; And there the Phoenix Joy fhall fpring More glorious ! from her duft. L 1 I i-,o EDWY AND EDILDA. 'J But curs'd the heart, where life nor death Her blefTings can reftore ; O ! tenfold curs'd, where hope's fweet flow'r Withers to bloom no more ! Proud Edbald gone, the tidings foon The train to Galvari bear ; Nor were they, if I ween aright, Ungrateful to his ear. Nor fooner did the fhades of night, At morn's approach decay, Than to the well-known Abbey's gate The Noble hy'd away. His prefence loon with greetings fair The holy Aldric met, And foon with bafhful eye he view'd Rdilda at his feet. " Blefs me," fhe cry'd, " my honour'd Sire, '' O blefs your child once more !" While down her cheeks the trembling tears Of love and terror pour. *' Blefs thee, my child ? O that I will, '' While life remains," he cry'd. And as he fpoke, the tender drops That dew'd her cheek he dry'd. Then kindly (looping, by the hand The timid maid he rais'd • Who thus encourag'd, o'er and o'er, Her noble Sire embrac'd. EDWY AND EDILDA. 131 But who her tendernefs, her joy, Her gratitude, can fpeak ? Who the fweet words, that from her lips Of rapturous duty break, When from her generous Father's lips Of Edbald\ flight fhe hears ; And that no more his hated love Shall fill her breafl: with cares ? And much the friendly Abbot prais'd Edildas noble foul. That durfl: the mighty power of love At duty's call control. And pray'd, the lenient hand of time Might cank'ring forrow chafe. And frefhly tint the rofe of health That faded on her face. Three peaceful days his noble guefts With holy Aldric fpend ; But on the fourth to Galvatt^ hall Their journey back intend. And now the fair adieus had pafl, And now the outward gate Was open'd, that the honour'd pair Might freely pafs thereat ; When w hite with foam, a courfer near. The company efpy'd. On which a herald, trimly clad, Impetuoufly did ride. 132 EDWY AND E D I L D A. Lo ! at the Abbey's lofty gate He lighted is full foon, And quick as thought at Gahan's feet. All panting, cafts him down. Then eagerly as breath will ferve, His tidings doth declare 5 And fhows, how Edwy is become , The far-fam'd OJwald's heir. But while the wondrous tale he told, Th' emotions who could fpeak That trembled in Edildas eye. And flufli'd her Father's cheek ? With him 't was pleafure and furprife, Unmix'd with doubt or care; With her 't was tranfport beating high, Yet dafh'd with timid fear. Unthought-of joys his aged bread With temper'd feelings move; But her's with all the tumult throbs Of extafy and love. Could Nature bear the ftrong reverfe, And ftill her courfe maintain ? She could not : blifs o'erftrain'd becomes Intolerable pain ! Thick and more thick her fighs exhale, Her pulfe forgets to play ; And in her Father's arms at length She fenfelcfs funk away. EDWY AND EDILDA. '33 But foon from Nature's friendly paufe The lovely maid awakes ; And now of bleffing's flowing cup More fparingly partakes : With chaften'd joy the cordial lines Of noble Ofioald hears ; And as fhe liftens, filent pays The tribute of her tears. And fure no fweeter drops appear Within the melting eye, Than thofe that fpring at joy's foft touch From fenfibility ? Forthwith to noble Galvans court They deem it meet to hafte, Since Ofwald meant to greet them there Before three days were pafs'd. Yet to the Abbot, ere they go, Their facred word they plight, That his blefs'd hand in Hymen's bonds The lovers fhall unite. Now fpread the tidings far and near Of Edwy\ alter 'd ilate ; Nor was there one in Gaharfs court But greatly joy'd thereat. For him they joy'd, but triumph'd more For fweet Ed'ildds blifs. Which well they ween'd, thro' life, would be Bv love involv'd in his. M m 134 EDWY AND EDILDA. And all with one confent agreed The charming noble pair, Each of the other through the world Alone deferving were. But who the yearnings fond could tell Within Edildas bread; , The hurrying thoughts, the namelefs fears, That pillag'd all her reft ? As on the filent minutes ftole That ufher'd the glad day. When fortune promis'd to reftore What duty rent away. Yet though fhe wifh'd the feet of time Wing'd wdth the plumes of love. And deem'd that fmce the world was made He ne'er fo flow did move : Still as the hour, fo wifh'd, draws nigh. New perturbations rife. And chill and warm, by turns, her cheek. And tremble in her eyes. And oft fhe heav'd a generous figh. That wealth, and pow'r, and birth, A grace obtain'd that ft ill had been Denied to better worth. But if in expedation thus Her lovely bofom beat ; What does it feel when fhe beholds Her Edwy at her feet ! E D W Y A N D E D I L D A. 135 What pen the pafTions can defcribe That thrill within her foul ? What tongue the tranfports wild declare That all his pow'rs control ? Nor poor the blifs that Galvan taftes, When warmly to his bread The noble Ofioald^ loft fo long, With love fnicere he prefs'd. Quickly the ftory of their loves Through all the kingdom went ; And through the land was fcarce a heart But fhar'd in their content. But moft the royal Egbert joy'd The wondrous tale to hear, For OfioaWpy'd^ whofe wretched lot Had coft him many a tear. And from his court the Monarch fent, With fpeed, a meffage fair, That mickle pleafure he fhould tafte To greet the Lovers there. Now focial mirth once more refounds Through Galvan % crowded hall, And all the fmiles affembled there. At pleafure's grateful call. And w^hile the Lovers o'er and o'er Their tender paftion tell. Which melting looks and ardent fighs, Love's language, fpoke as well ; 136 EDWY AND EDILDA. Their aged Sires, of former times A thoufand tales relate, And trace, through all her mazy rounds, The my flic pow'r of Fate : Yet, now and then, amidft their talk Their lovely oflFspring view'd With mickle pride, and faw in them Their blooming youth renew 'd. Where hearts were all fo w^ell agreed, What need that ardent love To Hymen long fhould fue in vain His happieft (late to prove? Soon was the nuptial torch prepar'd, And foon with bravefl: ftate The bridal train fair iffued forth At Gaharis lofty gate. Ah ! who that morn the rapture high Could paint in Edwys face? Who the foft blufh that in the Maid's With tranfports blended was ? . So god-like He6lor fhow'd, I ween, When to the nuptial bed Andromache, in beauty's bloom. He fweetly-bafhful led. In trim apparel, meetly rank'd Upon their courfers fair, A fplendid train, with jocund looks. Behind allembled were. EDWY AND EDI L DA. 137 And fhill, as onward flow they pafs'd, The country gather'd round, And blcfs'd their fleps, and, loving, ftrcw'd, With fragrant flow'rs, the ground. On either fide the lovely pair Their reverend Sires were feen, Whofe joy that morn, new grace to age. New fire had lent I ween. And now to Aldric'^ gate they came; And as they enter'd there. The holy Abbot met their fi:eps With many a welcome fair. Quickly the Lovers graceful knelt Before the facred fhrine; And Hymen quick their willing hands With gentle bonds did join. For virtue mated fweet with love In marriage, only knows To wear and tafi;e, without its thorn, The never-fading rofe. At that glad hour, all words w^re vain The happinefs to tell, Which only hearts fo form'd as theirs Could merit, or could feel. Now from the holy Abbot's gate, With many a blefliing fair, The bridal train rejoicing pafs'd In pageantry moft rare ! N n ij8 EDWYANDEDILDA. Full in their way to Gahan's hall There flood a pleafant grove, Where every warbler fweetly fung His little tale of love : And here, before their fteps return'd, Had many a youth and maid, With fimple fhow of duteous joy. The boughs with garlands clad. And while the whifpering zephyrs fent Their fragrance through the air, From fultry heat the bridal train Was pleas 'd to loiter there. But mofl: the bride and bridegroom joy Such tokens to receive Of humble love, and courteous fmiles, And praifes freely give. Yet more to pleafe their honefl hearts A garland mickle fair. The Bridegroom reach'd, and fmiling, cry'd. His bride the band fhould wear: " More foft," he faid, " than this fweet wreath " Our gentle bands fhall prove, " Though never, like thefe drooping flow'rs, " Shall fade our conflant love !" But whilfl: his hand the garland gay Her white neck faften'd round, A fudden cry of deep diftrefs Made all the grove refound. EDWY AND EDILDA. »39 Pale with affright Edilda turn'd ; For much the fair-one fear'd That in the cry the well-known voice Of her lov'd Sire fhe heard. Nor judg'd amifs ; for as fhe turn'd. In Iwoonings fhe efpy'd The aged Lord, and to his aid With eager duty hy'd. But ah ! alas ! fhe little w^een'd, Whilft, like fome timorous hind She fped away, the heavier ill Her love had left behind. For fcarce fhe turn'd, or e'er a fhaft Too well dire6led ! flood In Edwys breaft, and trembled there, And deeply drank his blood. And fcarce its deadly point he felt, \ Or e'er the face appear'd Of bloody Kdbald\ from whofe tongue This cruel taunt he heard ; '' Accept, gay Bridegroom, from this bow " With joy, that arrow fair, '' For by thy own Edilda' s hand " They both prefented were !" The fmking Youth thefe bitter words With indignation fir'd ; While juft revenge one flafh of ftrcngth Within his bread infpir'd. I40 EDWY AND E D I L D A. On Edhald fuddenly he rufli'd, As bafe he turn'd his head To fly the grove; and by the reins Reftrain'd his fiery deed* Then cried, as high he rais'd his hand, " Remember, treacherous Lord ! " That when to thee fhe gave a bow, " To me fhe gave a fword." He faid ; and in the villain's bread Plung'd deep the fliining blade, Which found the paflage to his heart. And mix'd him with the dead. But little to the noble Youth Avails his vengeance ju ft; Ah ! what avails his haughty foe Stretch'd filent in the duft ; Since faft life's purple current ebbs, And yet once more he tries To feek his fweet Edildds face, But as he looks he dies. Loud, and more loud, Edildds fhrieks Re-echoed through the grove, While to her Edwy faft fhe flew, By terror borne and love. Alas ! 't was dread of this diftrefs That riv'd her Father's heart, As fudden through the fhade he faw Bafe Edbald aim the dart. EDWY AND EDILDA. 141 Nor knew the Bride tlie work of fate, Till to his hall with care Her Sire, in deadly fwoonings laid, She bade the fei-vants bear. But feeking then whom mofl fhe lov'd. Whom mofl fhe lov'd fhe fpy'd ; Yet ere her eyes that fight beheld Had rather far have dy'd. Ah! who could think her Edwys face An obje6l e'er would be, In her fond eye, of horror wild, And deepell: mifery ? But not alone at Edwys fate Her bitter forrows flow ; Nor fhe alone muft claim the fad Prerogative of woe : Age joins with Youth at fuch a fcene, To wage a cruel w^ar With grief, whofe all-relentlefs hand Points firmly to defpair. And who can marvel that a heart Awak'd fiom length of woe To fudden joy, at woe's return A deep defpair fhould know ? O ! he that can^ has never fure, Like \vretched Ofmald^ known The lofs of all his hopes on earth In lofmg fuch a Son ! o o ,42 E D W Y A N D E D I L D A. To EJwfs corfe, with burfting heart, The haplefs Noble fped; And wrung his hands in Ipeechlefs woe. And fhook his hoary head. Forthwith on either fide the corfe With many a bitter groan, The childlefs Sire, and widow'd Bride, Diftraded throw them down. A thoufand and a thoufand times The body they embrace ; A thoufand and a thoufand times They kifs the pallid face. A thoufand and a thoufand times To fpeak, in vain they try ; Upon their wan and quiv'ring lips The murmuring accents die. But when within her Edwys breafh Rdilda fcann'd the dart ; She frantic cry'd, " Almighty Pow'rs ! " This hand has pierc'd his heart ! " O yes, his own Edi Ida's hand '' The fatal fhaft fupply'd ; '' By which, far dearer than her life, " Her lovely Hufband dy'd !" She faid; and recklefs what to do, Or where to find relief, On OJhoald\ bolbm, o'er the corle Rcclia'd, and hid her grief. EBWY AND EDILDA. 143 Ah ! then the piteous fight to fee, His reverend filver hairs Hang o'er Edilda^ faded cheek, And drink her falling tears. Around the late-gay bridal train With folemn filence wait, And weep alike the Mourner's woe, And gallant Edwy's fate. Still o'er the breathlcfs, bleeding youth The wretched Mourners bend, While on the wan, yet lovely face, Their ftreaming forrows blend : Still did they bend, ftill did they weep, When with an angel's fpeed, A learned Leech, from Galvan's hall, Flew in that hour of need. And though on Edwy'^s pallid face He drove in vain to feek The life-warm blood that us'd to flain With vermeil hue his cheek ; Though on his wan, wan lips in vain He fought the ruby pride. With which the foft and fwelling twins Erewhile'were doubly dy'd ; Yet in his pulfe^ at fearful paufe. Fond life yet, lingering, beat ; And in his bofom yet was felt Its lafl retiring heat. 144 EDWYANDEDILDA. " Be comforted ! for flill he lives," The Sage, exulting, cry'd ; " O ! bleffing, blefTmg on that tongue 1'* The trembling Fair reply'd. '' O ! bleffing, bleffing on that tongue !" Exclaimed the hoary Sire, '* Which lights, once more, within my breaft, " Sweet hope's extinguifli'd fire. A fovereign cordial now apply 'd, Life's dying flame revives ; Though flill, but by convulfive flarts, The noble Kdwy lives. O ! what was reverend Ofwald's joy No language can reveal, As o'er his Edwys cheek once more He faw the crimfon fteal. No tongue can tell the joy that rufh'd Upon EdiUa's foul. As o'er her lover's lips again The warm carnation ftole ! To Gahans court, with cautious ftep, The gallant Youth was mov'd. And watch'd with fond inceffant care By every eye he lov'd. Around his couch, with filent foot, Each anxious Parent crept. And o'er him long, his peerlefs Bride Alternate fmil'd and wept. E D W Y AND E D I L D A. 14; For long, 'twixt life and dcatli, the Youth With frequent fwoonings lay; Till by the power of foft'ning bairns The fhaft was drawn away. From that bleft hour with freer pulfe Life beat within his bread, And riper rofes on his cheek, Returning health confeft. O ! from his bright exprefTive eye When now fhe glitter'd fair, How did his fweet indignant Bride The hated arrow tear! On every eddy of the wind A feveral wreck was borne, And all its filver pride defac'd, With mingled rage and fcorn. And oft, with fervour, on his bread:, She, trembling, kifs'd the fear, And, like the dew-drop on the thorn, Adorn'd it with a tear. Long bled, and bleding all around, Uncloying, and uncloy'd, They liv'd ; and long their happinefs Their noble Sires enjoy 'd. Long did their numerous offspring live, Their country's boad, and pride, And ^Wljhall live, while love, and truth, And honour, fhall abide : 146 EDWYANDEDILDA. For every brave and generous youth Shall Edwys praifes fhare, And emulate, ye Britifli maids, That fhining morning (tar. A morning ftar Edilda fhines, Your wandering fteps to guide. That ye may trace life's w ildering maze. With honour's nobleft pride. As the coy violet lifts its head Amid the vernal fnows, And, breathing lavilh fragrance round, With purple beauty glows ; So may their honour'd memories live, As fiefh as in their prime, And blufh, and breathe their fragrance round Upon the fnows of time ! Ah! happy, whofoe'er extra6ls The honey from fuch flow'rs, And with perennial fweetnefs decks Life's tranfitory hours. THE END. V^'\ mmo/: ^ University of California SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY 405 Hllgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1388 Return this material to the library from which it was borrowed. ^m j^' 171 i% .^OFCAllFORfc dvaan# ^•lOSANCfltf;^ 'v/,Ja3MNIl-3WV t -< '^/iMMNIllftV^ ^tUBRARY(?/v ^OFCAllFOff^ vjclOSANCftiJ-;* ^lOSANCflfj-^ b.i i(^ '^miMm-]^ ^ .KlOSANCflffv ' ^.i^ojnvDjo^' ■^mm .^^ ^ '^mmm^ '^ LIFO/?^ ^OFCAIIFOR^ ^ 5Mri)NIVER5'//, 9- '%13DN\' %. ii^l ir;. ,-(;0f s> ''^i:/Aavaan-^'^'*' III III! 3 1158 01025 0701 i VERy/A ^lOSANCn^^ I? vjrnrr in^AWrFIfr. M ■—' u._ r.. 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