The two that were at strife are blended, Joy! joy to both! but most to her But, chiefly, from above the Board They came with banner, spear, and shield; And it was proved in Bosworth-field. Not long the Avenger was withstood Our Fields rejoice, our Mountains ring, How glad is Skipton at this hour Though she is but a lonely Tower! To vacancy and silence left; Of all her guardian sons bereft — Knight, Squire, or Yeoman, Page or Groom; A taste of this great pleasure, viewing And she that keepeth watch and ward Oh! it was a time forlorn When the Fatherless was born Give her wings that she may fly, Swords that are with slaughter wild Yonder is a House - but where? No, they must not enter there. She is speechless, but her eyes Blissful Mary, Mother mild, Maid and Mother undefiled, Save a Mother and her Child! Now Who is he that bounds with joy On Carrock's side, a Shepherd Boy? No thoughts hath he but thoughts that pass Light as the wind along the grass. Can this be He who hither came In secret, like a smothered flame? O'er whom such thankful tears were shed For shelter, and a poor Man's bread! God loves the Child; and God hath willed That those dear words should be fulfilled, The Lady's words, when forced away, The last she to her Babe did say, "My own, my own, thy Fellow-guest not be; but rest thee, rest, I may For lowly Shepherd's life is best!" Alas! when evil men are strong No life is good, no pleasure long. The Boy must part from Mosedale's Groves, Must vanish, and his careless cheer - Give Sir Lancelot Threlkeld praise! A recreant Harp, that sings of fear And heaviness in Clifford's ear! I said, when evil Men are strong, No life is good, no pleasure long, A weak and cowardly untruth! Our Clifford was a happy Youth, And thankful through a weary time, That brought him up to manhood's prime. - Again he wanders forth at will, And tends a Flock from hill to hill: His garb is humble; ne'er was seen That learned of him submissive ways; To his side the Fallow-deer Came, and rested without fear; |