The bride had consented, the gallant came late:
For a laggard in love and a dastard in war,
Was to wed the fair Ellen of brave Lochinvar. 12
So boldly he entered the Netherby hall,
’Mong bride’s-men, and kinsmen, and brothers and all:
Then spoke the bride’s father, his hand on his sword—
For the poor craven bridegroom said never a word—
“O come ye in peace here, or come ye in war?
Or to dance at our bridal, young Lord Lochinvar?” 18
“I long wooed your daughter, my suit was denied;