There was, exclusive of the ancient Mrs. Judith, another venerable follower of this noble family, in whom the general joy, so conspicuous amongst all ranks, was not the less sincere and ardent, and this was the aged and sightless minstrel, old Cormac, whose best suit was duly assumed upon this happy occasion, to welcome home his kind and generous master; his harp was newly strung, and carefully tuned aright; and patiently, but anxiously, in the baronial hall he awaited the entrance of the duke and family, upon whose welcome approach he thus poured forth his strains of gratitude and affection upon his noble Lord's return.
old cormac's welcome.
Returned once more from foreign lands,
Behold the noble exile stands
Within his lordly hall!
His faulchion smote his country's foes,
His king's defeat hath caused these woes,
Which his brave breast inthrall.
Oh, welcome to thy lordly towers,