So, to the cot, young Arnold[170] ran t’acquaint
His uncle; for, as usual ’bout that hour,
He’d ta’en his pleasurable cottage tour:
Surprised, indeed, was he to see the youth!
“There’s something wrong,” he said; “come, tell me truth!”
So then the boy drew forth, and ’gan to say—
“Dear aunt is taken ill; but uncle, pray
Don’t be alarm’d:” when lo! he ’spied (between
The quaint old settle, and a kind of screen,
Which hid a bed,) the lovely cottage queen: