And he listened to the host, till, at mention of the ghost,
He burst upon the drinkers, of their senses nigh bereft.
He called Alice to the stable; then, as fast as he was able,
Galloped off towards his quarters; thence to London hastened on;
There was married to his charmer, thence sent back the sable armour,
And asked Sir Walter’s sanction to the good deed he had done.
My tale is nearly ended. Sir Walter, much offended
At the hoax played off upon him, would not listen for awhile;
But regretting much his daughter, came at length to town and sought her,
For he missed her childish prattle and her fond endearing smile.