And wild buds thick dappled the clear river’s edge.

When the Castle’s rich chambers were haunted, and dreary,

The poor little Hovel was still, and secure;

And no robber e’er enter’d, or goblin or fairy,

For the splendours of pride had no charms to allure.

The Lord of the Castle, a proud, surly ruler,

Oft heard the low dwelling with sweet music ring:

For the old Dame that liv’d in the little Hut chearly,

Would sit at her wheel, and would merrily sing:

When with revels the Castle’s great Hall was resounding,