CHAP. IX.
Oh, it is monstrous, monstrous!
Methought the billows spake and told me of it:
The wind did sing it to me; and the thunder,
That deep and dreadful organ-pipe,
——did bass my trespass!
Tempest.
——The seasons thus—
As ceaseless round a jarring world they roll,
Still find them happy, and consenting spring
Sheds her own rosy garland on their heads.
Thomson.
Slowly and with trembling steps Ellen left the beach, and went towards the village: not many yards had they proceeded ere they were met by Bayfield and two or three of the men-servants. The poor woman had at length been prevailed on to relinquish her infant charge to his nurse, who had overtaken her; and fortunately meeting the men-servants, who, impelled by curiosity, were going to the beach to look at the wreck, she turned back with them, fearing lest any injury should befall her Lord or Lady.
"Thank God, Madam," said the good creature, who still trembled and looked pale, "that you are safe! the dear child is safe also: but where is my Lord? Oh, my dear Lord! sure he has not trusted himself with that wretch alone."
"Be calm, Bayfield, be pacified," said Ellen: "you terrify us with these emotions: your Lord is safe; Mr. Charles Ross and the sailors are with him: but who is this man you seem so much to fear? The poor creature looks not likely to injure any one, for he appears half-dead."