And ere the dawn of day appeared,
In Cumnor Hall, so lone and drear, Full many a piercing scream was heard,
And many a cry of mortal fear.
The death-bell thrice was heard to ring,
An aerial voice was heard to call, And thrice the raven flapped its wing
Around the towers of Cumnor Hall.
The mastiff bowled at village door,
The oaks were shattered on the green; Woe was the hour, for nevermore
That hapless Countess e'er was seen.
And in that manor now no more
Is cheerful feast and sprightly ball; For ever since that dreary hour
Have spirits haunted Cumnor Hall.
The village maids, with fearful glance,
Avoid the ancient moss-grown wall, Nor ever lead the merry dance,
Among the groves of Cumnor Hall.
Full many a traveller oft hath sighed,
And pensive wept the Countess' fall, As wandering onward they've espied
The haunted towers of Cumnor Hall.
WILLIAM JULIUS MICKLE.
O waly, waly, up the bank,
O waly, waly, doun the brae, And waly, waly, yon burn-side,
Where I and my love were wont to gae! I leaned my back unto an aik,
I thocht it was a trustie tree, But first it bowed and syne it brak',—
Sae my true love did lichtlie me.
O waly, waly, but love be bonnie
A little time while it is new! But when it's auld it waxeth cauld,
And fadeth awa' like the morning dew. O wherefore should I busk my heid.
Or wherefore should I kame my hair? For my true love has me forsook,
And says he'll never lo'e me mair.