In tone of voice so musical and clear
It might have charmed the most exacting ear,
And wealth of language few can hope to reach,
Nor trace of foreign accent in his speech,
He forthwith spake: "My simple tale shall be,
Not one of love, but dire captivity.
Like Uncle Jim's, however, it contains
The cause why I forsook my native plains.
No tender web of sentiment, but one
By treachery and machination spun.