Oft did we see him driving full in view At mid-day when the sun was shining bright; Ah! piteous sight it was to see this man Where apple-trees in blossom made a bower, And, like a naked Indian, slept himself away. Great wonder to our gentle Tribe it was Some thought far worse of him, and judged him wrong: But Verse was what he had been wedded to; 174 STANZAS WRITTEN IN MY POCKET-COPY And his own mind did like a tempest strong Come to him thus, and drove the weary Wight along. With him there often walked in friendly guise, Profound his forehead was, though not severe; Yet some did think that he had little business here: Sweet heaven forefend! his was a lawful right; His limbs would toss about him with delight Like branches when strong winds the trees annoy. He would have taught you how you might employ And, certes, not in vain; he had inventions rare. 66 OF THE CASTLE OF INDOLENCE." Expedients, too, of simplest sort he tried: 175 Long blades of grass, plucked round him as he lay, Made to his ear attentively applied A Pipe on which the wind would deftly play; A mailed angel on a battle day; And cups of flowers, and herbage green and gold; And all the gorgeous sights which fairies do behold. He would entice that other Man to hear And, sooth, these two did love each other dear, If but a bird, to keep them company, Or butterfly sate down, they were, I ween, As pleased as if the same had been a Maiden Queen. VI. ELLEN IRWIN, OR, THE BRAES OF KIRTLE.* FAIR Ellen Irwin, when she sate Upon the Braes of Kirtle, Was lovely as a Grecian Maid From many Knights and many Squires And Gordon, fairest of them all, By Ellen was rejected. Sad tidings to that noble Youth! For it may be proclaimed with truth, * The Kirtle is a River in the Southern part of Scotland, on whose banks the events here related took place. If Bruce hath loved sincerely, But what is Gordon's beauteous face? To them who sit by Kirtle's Braes Alas that ever he was born! The Gordon, couched behind a thorn, Sees them and their caressing, Beholds them blest and blessing. Proud Gordon cannot bear the thoughts Fair Ellen saw it when it came, And, stepping forth to meet the same, Did with her body cover The Youth, her chosen lover. And, falling into Bruce's arms, Thus died the beauteous Ellen, Thus from the heart of her True-love |