That chanced for ages at the noble Hall.
These, and each revolution, she could state,
And give strange anecdotes of love and hate; 350
This was her first delight, her pride, her boast; }
She told of many an heiress, many a toast, }
Of Lady Ellen’s flight, of Lord Orlando’s ghost; }
The maid turn’d pale, and what should then ensue
But wine and cake—the dame was frighten’d too.
The aunt and niece now walk’d about the grounds,
And sometimes met the gentry in their rounds;